Class .M i 
Book _ „ 
Copyright WL 




' COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT TRAVAIL AND 
ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL 
GIVE YOU REST." 



Come IHnto flDe 

a manual of 
Instructions and Devotions 

FOR 

CONFIRMATION 

HOLY COMMUNION 

AND 

OTHER OCCASIONS 

WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY 
THE REVEREND y 

ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL KNOWLES 

AUTHOR OF V 
"THE TRIUMPH OF THE CROSS," U THE BELIEF AND 
WORSHIP OF THE' ANGLICAN CHURCH," ETC. 



t 



NEW YORK 
E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY 

31 WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET 



THE LIBRARY OF 

CONGRESS, 
Two Copies Received 

OCT. 25 1901 

Copyright entry 
CLASS Ci XXo. No. 
COPY 



Copyright, 1901, by 
ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL KNOWLES 



TO 

THE GLORY OF GOD 
AND 
.IN HONOUR 
OF THE 

MOST COMFORTABLE SACRAMENT 
OF THE 
BODY AND BLOOD 
OF 
CHRIST 



111 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE 



HIS little book was written and compiled by 



a Priest of the Church to be a practical 



Manual of Devotion, containing prayers 
for Confirmation, Holy Communion, and all or- 
dinary occasions. It pretends to no literary or 
theological excellence. It aims to supplant no 
books of a similar character. Its sole object is 
to present in a clear and comprehensive way 
such Instructions and Devotions as may tend to 
the right reception of Confirmation and Holy 
Communion, may be helpful in the cultivation 
of the spiritual life, and may form a Manual 
for daily use, at once condensed yet complete. 
It is frequently due to a lack of knowledge of 
the Church and of her doctrine, discipline and 
worship that many persons who have started out 
in the spiritual life lapse into unbelief and mis- 
belief. They have never properly been taught 
the fundamentals of the Faith and so readily 
follow those who are ' ' teaching for doctrines 
the commandments of men." They have never 
realized the importance of a positive, definite 
belief, without which it is impossible to live a 
right life or attain to the full measure of spirit- 
ual development. It is indeed most necessary 
to be mentally and spiritually equipped for the 
fight against ' ' the world, the flesh, and the devil. " 




v 



vi AUTHOR'S PREFACE 

From his own experience and from the com- 
ments of others of the Clergy and Laity, the 
Author believes that there is large room for a 
work that will help in this respect. There are 
of course others now in use, but many people 
find them above their understanding or incapa- 
ble of satisfying their spiritual needs or alien to 
the Anglican mind. In the preparation of this 
present book, the Author, while trying to avoid 
any narrow conception of the Church, has aimed 
to have both the Instructions and the Devotions 
in thorough accord with the spirit of the Book 
of Common Prayer and the teaching of Holy 
Scripture. In drawing from outside sources, the 
Ancient Liturgies have been mainly consulted, 
as they are perfect treasure-houses of devotion, 
and represent the spiritual character of the 
Church most near its Source. These prayers, 
however, have been very freely adapted, partly 
because of their rather florid expressions, hardly 
suitable to the Western mind, partly in order to 
ensure a more rhythmical measure, which the 
original Greek or Latin loses in a literal trans- 
lation into English, The thought, however, has 
been preserved throughout. 

In many cases the Devotions will be found 
more full and numerous than may be required, 
but it seems better to minister to the needs of 
those well on in the spiritual life, as others 
may easily omit what they find burdensome or 
unnecessary, a possibility provided for in the 
arrangement of the contents. The Author has 
not knowingly used any copyright matter, hav- 
ing taken special care to guard against this, with 
the exception of several Eucharistic Hymns, for 
the use of which he most cordially thanks the 
Authors and Publishers, He also takes this 



author's preface 



vii 



opportunity of expressing his appreciation of 
the kindness of the Right Reverend Isaac Lea 
Nicholson, S.T.D., Bishop of Milwaukee, and 
the Reverend Samuel Upjohn, D.D., Rector of 
S. Luke's Church, Germantown, Philadelphia, 
in examining and approving this work and 
making many valuable suggestions as to the 
same. 

The Author therefore gives this modest mes- 
sage to the Church, praying God for Christ His 
Sake, to pardon all that may be imperfect and 
bless all that may be good, leading many souls 
to a closer walk with Him through the 14 Most 
Comfortable Sacrament of the Body and Blood 
of Christ." 



Philadelphia, Lent, 1901. 



CONTENTS 



PART I 

INSTRUCTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS 

PAGE 



The Church, its Institution and Growth . I 
The Ancient Church ..... 2 
The Medieval Church 6 
The Reformation ..... 8 
The Anglican Church .... 9 
The Church in America . . . .16 

The Liturgy 

Historical Sketch of the Liturgy . . 18 
Explanation of the Service . . .22 
Ritual and Ceremonial . . . .33 
How to Make a Reverent Communion . 38 
The Church Catechism . . . .42 
The Christian Covenant or Baptismal Vow 43 
The Creed, its History and Meaning . . 44 
The Ten Commandments . . . -57 

The Lord's Prayer 58 

The Sacraments . . . . .62 

Holy Baptism 63 

ix 



X 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Confirmation . . . . ... 64 

Holy Communion . . . . .65 

Penitence ....... 72 

Contrition ....... 75 

Confession and Absolution . . .76 
Amendment 79 

PART II 

DEVOTIONS FOR HOLY COMMUNION 

Prayers before Self Examination . .85 
Form of Self Examination . . .88 
Confession and Prayers . . , .92 
Devotions before Holy Communion . . 98 
Service of Holy Communion, with Private 

Prayers ...... 106 

Thanksgiving after the Service . . . 130 
Thanksgiving to be Said at Night . . 132 
Ancient Form of Thanksgiving . . 135 

Additional Devotions .... 141 

Eucharistic Hymns . . . . .152 

A Longer Form of Self Examination . 159 
A Short Form of Preparation for Holy 

Communion 178 

PART III 

DAILY PRAYERS, OCCASIONAL OFFICES, ETC. 

Practice of Daily Prayers . . . .185 
Morning Prayers, First Form . . .186 



CONTENTS 



xi 



PAGE 

Midday Prayers, First Form . . .188 

Evening Prayers, First Form . . , 190 

Additional Prayers . 192 

The Third Hour : from Ancient Sources . 195 

The Sixth Hour : from Ancient Sources . 197 

The Ninth Hour : from Ancient Sources . 199 

Short Silent Prayers 201 

Office of Intercession .... 204 

Prayers before a Journey .... 208 

Preparations for Confirmation . . . 211 

A Form of Confession .... 214 

Office of Spiritual Communion . . , 216 

Meditations on the Holy Communion . 218 

Penitential Offices ..... 236 

Penitential Prayers ..... 237 

Litany of Penitence ..... 241 

Hymn of the Passion .... 243 

Short Readings ...... 245 

The Church's Seasons . . . .255 



Appendix of Christian Virtues, Duties, etc. 262 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



T OPPOSITE 
PAGE 

44 Come unto Me, all ye that travail, and are 

heavy laden, and I will give you rest." 

Frontispiece. 
44 A little child shall lead them " . . 18 
41 They fell down and worshipped Him " . 38 
44 Watch and pray that ye enter not into 

temptation " . . . -58 

44 Behold, I stand at the door and knock." 70 
44 Behold, and see if there be any sorrow 

like unto My sorrow " . . .96 
li I Died on the cross for thee ; What hast 

thou done for Me ?" . . , . 122 
44 O, come all ye faithful, O, come let us 

adore Him " . . . .152 

4 4 1 am the Good Shepherd : the Good 

Shepherd giveth His Life for the 

sheep" 188 

44 He toucheth the cross, and maketh it 

light " 246 



xiii 



part 11 

flnstructtons 
on tbe 

Cburcb, tbe Xtturg}?, tbe 
Catecbism, ano pern* 
tence 



THE CHURCH 



THERE is no more wonderful record in his- 
tory than that of the institution, organiz- 
ation and growth of the Holy Catholic 
Church. Nor could a greater contrast be pre- 
sented than that between the small body of men 
and women, of humble birth and little learning, 
who constituted the first followers of our Lord, 
and the wide-spreading Religion of Jesus Christ 
to-day, professed if not faithfully followed by 
every civilized nation. The Christian Religion 
has been the greatest power in the advancement 
of the world, the inspiration to all that is best in 
man, the secret of the elevation and progress of 
the human race. No greater argument could 
there be for the supernatural character of the 
Church than this continuance and growth for 
nineteen centuries in every race and condition 
of men, often in the face of fearful persecution. 
This fact exemplifies the claim of the Church to 
be the Divine Institution of Jesus Christ, His 
Mystical Body, guided by the Holy Ghost and 
endowed with special spiritual powers. Only 
under an Organization so constituted could have 
been accomplished so wonderful a work and 
have been overruled for good the actions of 
wicked men within and without the fold. It 
may not be unfruitful, therefore, to sketch very 



i 



2 



THE CHURCH 



briefly some of the most important periods and 
features of the history, growth, and development 
of the Church. 

I 

THE ANCIENT CHURCH 

The Apostolic Church, 33=98 a.d.* The 

first picture of the Church is that of the little 
group of Apostles and Disciples, about one 
hundred and twenty in number, 1 which gathered 
together in the upper room at Jerusalem after 
our Lord's Ascension. Upon the Descent of 
the Holy Ghost on Whitsunday, the twelve 
Apostles (S. Matthias now being numbered with 
the eleven), full of missionary zeal, started to 
fulfil Christ's command to preach the Gospel 
to all people, first offering it to the Jews, then to 
the Gentiles. Holy Scripture, in the book of the 
Acts, records the beginnings of their work, and 
shows us the essential features of the Church 
Polity which they established, undoubtedly ac- 
cording to our Lord's direction. The Three- 
fold Ministry of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, 
the Order of Public Worship, the Forms of 
Prayers, the Rites of Baptism and Confirma- 
tion, the daily Celebration of Holy Commun- 
ion, the Preaching of the Word, the observance 
of Sunday, the assembling of a Synod, are all re- 
corded as the work and appointment of the 
Apostles. At the very inception of their labours 
are also seen the four essential marks or notes of 
the Catholic Church : the Apostles' Doctrine or 
Creed, the Fellowship or Communion of Saints, 
the Breaking of Bread or Holy Communion 
and the Prayers or Liturgy. 2 

* These designations are merely for clearness. 
> 1 Acts i. 15. 2 Acts ii. 42. 



the ancient church 3 



At first, while practically possible and until 
the Fall of Jerusalem, the Apostles continued in 
attendance at worship at the Jewish Temple, 1 
for they realized the continuity of the Church 
under the Jewish and Christian Revelation. 
Their own services of daily prayer and daily Eu- 
charist, wherein they worshipped Almighty God 
and set forth the Faith of Jesus Christ and 
Him Crucified, gave them the spiritual strength 
for their labours for their Lord. These ser- 
vices they secretly held in cellars and upper 
rooms, in order to guard the Holy Mysteries 
and ensure their own safety. In their associa- 
tion, they had all things in common, 2 not that 
their means were divided equally, but that those 
in need were supported from a common fund, 
the true ideal of Christian Charity. 

They formed but a little band in the midst of 
millions of the Jewish and Gentile world. They 
had to struggle against the bigotry of those of 
the Jewish Religion who refused the Revelation 
of Christ, the ridicule of those believing in 
Greek Philosophy who scorned the Faith of the 
Gospel, and the selfishness of those worshipping 
mythological divinities and heathen gods who 
saw their trade in images departing. These 
classes of people, together with the power of 
the Roman Empire, worked in their several 
ways to stamp out the Church. To men of lit- 
tle faith the cause would have seemed hopeless, 
for Religion, Law and Society as they then ex- 
isted were against them. Undismayed, how- 
ever, the Disciples persevered in their work, 
seeing the Church planted in most of the great 
centres of the East and even carried to parts of 
the far distant West, ere they died their martyr's 
1 Acts ii. 46. 2 Acts ii. 44. 



4 



THE) CHURCH 



death, as was the fate of all but S. John. 

The Primitive Church, 98=300. The 

successors of the Apostles, with similar love 
and zeal, continued the work so well begun. 
Many of them perished in the great persecutions 
of Christians which occurred at intervals. In 
the face of dreadful privation and suffering they 
strengthened and extended the Church. They 
built up great religious centres, established 
schools of Theology, and founded the Monastic 
Life. Some as hermits sought the desert places 
for prayer, penance and literary labour. The 
region of the Nile was a favourite spot. There 
in the solemn stillness of the night they thought 
of God, or in the day saw far below them the evi- 
dences of busy life, no sounds of which dis- 
turbed the dreamy silence of their solitude. 
Others in Monasteries planted the seeds which 
were to preserve learning, spread civilization 
and incite holiness in later ages. Still others 
went as missionaries to far distant lands to teach 
those in darkness the light of the Gospel. The 
Fathers, S. Ignatius, S. Ireneus, S. Polycarp, S. 
Clement, S. Cyprian and Justin Martyr, and S. 
Anthony the Hermit are some of the great 
names of this period. 

The Post=Nicene Church. The fourth 
century saw the triumph of the Cross, and the 
end of the great persecutions, in the conversion 
in 312 A. D., of Constantine the Great, the Roman 
Emperor. The power and influence of Im- 
perial Rome aided considerably to spread 
the Faith and establish the Religion of Jesus 
Christ. It was the time of organization. The 



the; ancient church 



5 



Liturgies were put into writing and the ceremo- 
nial of worship was developed. The Scriptures 
were collected and the canonical books deter- 
mined. New and splendid churches were built, 
and the wealth which came to the Church from 
its rich converts was used in providing for the 
needs of religion. 

New troubles however succeeded the old. 
During the early days of the Church errors had 
arisen, but no conciliar action was taken. Now 
however, as other heresies spread, especially 
those regarding the One Person and Two Na- 
tures of Christ, General or CEcumenical Coun- 
cils were held to condemn false teaching and to 
determine matters of doctrine and discipline. 
Six of these Councils were in the highest sense 
CEcumenical, that is, they were Councils at 
which all parts of the Church were represented, 
whose decrees were accepted and ratified by the 
whole Church. These six Councils are those of 
Nicsea, 325 a.d., at which the Arian heresy was 
condemned and the Nicene Creed drawn up to 
the end of the words, " I believe in the Holy 
Ghost"; Constantinople, 381 a.d., when the 
rest of the Creed was added ; Ephesus, 434 A.D., 
Chalcedon, 451 A.D., Constantinople, 553 A.D., 
and Constantinople, 680 A.D. 

These were the times of the great Fathers or 
Doctors of the Church, the writers and wit- 
nesses of the Faith, of whom maybe mentioned: 
the Greek Fathers, S. Athanasius, S. Chrysos- 
tom, S. Basil and S. Gregory of Nazianzum and 
the Latin Fathers, S. Augustine, S. Ambrose, 
S. Jerome and S. Leo the Great. The great 
Bishoprics were independent of each other, but 
united in a common Faith, Rome, Alexandria, 
Antioch and later Constantinople being looked 



6 



THE CHURCH 



upon as the great Patriarchates entitled to special 
honour, representing European, Asiatic, and 
African divisions of the Empire. During this 
period new disturbances to the Church came 
from the quarrels and jealousies of some in high 
places, from the worldliness of others, and from 
the frequent inroads of the barbarian races 
from the north and east. These last did great 
injury to Church and State, finally accomplish- 
ing the fall of the Roman Empire in the West. 
These races later became Christian. 

II 

THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH 

With the fall of the Western Empire and the 
rise of the nations somewhat as they now are, 
the Churches within national boundaries became 
more strictly national Churches, though care- 
fully preserving the unity of the Catholic Faith. 
Gradually however the Eastern and Western 
Churches drew -away from one another, their 
differences finally ending in the great schism 
of the nth Century, never since healed, though 
repeated attempts have been made at reunion. 
This schism was due partly to political, partly to 
religious differences, in the rivalry between Rome 
and Constantinople, in the Image Controversy 
and in the insertion in the Creed of the clause 
teaching the Double Procession of the Holy 
Ghost. Images had not at first been used for 
fear of copying the idolatry of the heathen. 
Later, painting and sculpture were introduced 
as an aid in arousing devotion. When in the 
8th Century the Emperor decreed the destruc- 
tion of all Images, dreadful acts of sacrilege 



THE MKDI^VAI, CHURCH 7 



were committed and bitter feuds engendered by 
the Iconoclasts or Image-breakers. The con- 
troversy ended in the sanctioning the use of 
Images, under proper regulations, by the Council 
of Nicsea in 786, its decrees, however, being con- 
siderably modified by the Western Council held 
at Frankfort in 794. In the matter of the 
Double Procession of the Holy Ghost, the 
East objected to the words " and the Son " after 
the words "proceeded from the Father" being 
introduced into the Creed without proper au- 
thority. Though the point is well taken, the 
teaching is Scriptural and probably does not 
really differ from the doctrine held in the East. 
The Middle Ages also saw the rise of the Pa- 
pacy, the Bishops of Rome arrogating authority 
and powers utterly unscriptural and never 
claimed in ancient times, leading to evils and 
abuses which cannot be exaggerated. The ex- 
ercise of Papal powers, however, wrong as they 
were, did, under God, do much to preserve re- 
ligion and keep in check stubborn rulers and 
peoples daring these troublous times. In the 
hands of an holy man, it was possible to use this 
power for good, but when wielded by a wicked 
or ambitious Pope, it was harmful beyond meas- 
ure. Portions of this period have been called 
the Dark Ages, but the movements within and 
without the Church were so varied, and good 
and evil so mingled, that it is difficult to apply 
the term correctly. The purity of life and doc- 
trine had undoubtedly become corrupted. The 
lives of the Popes and of others in high places 
were scandalous. Evil doing was general and 
war was continually waged. The growth of the 
Monastic Orders, the institution of the Preach- 
ing Friars and the Crusades were movements 



8 



the: CHURCH 



fraught with mixed good and evil. Yet there 
was far more real religion and true piety in 
many quarters than is sometimes imagined, and 
it is very likely that the spiritual welfare of 
the masses was better cared for than is now the 
case. Nor should it be overlooked that the 
greatest achievements of Art and Architecture 
were accomplished during the Middle Ages. 
Painting and Sculpture reached their height, 
Christian Art attaining its highest expression. 
Architecture flourished, the beauty, the ma- 
jesty, the mystery of the Pointed or Gothic 
Style reaching its greatest development. Only 
under the impulse and inspiration of religion 
could this have been done. Scholarship and 
learning also received new strength from the 
writings and studies of the Schoolmen, such as 
S. Thomas Aquinas, Peter Lombard, and others. 
Altogether it was a time of varied movement 
and mingled good and evil. 

Ill 

THE REFORMATION 

The Reformation was due to a number of 
causes. Even at this date it is impossible fairly 
to estimate their relative influence and import- 
ance. The breaking up of the feudal system, 
the general feeling of unrest, the realization of 
power among the masses, all tended to the rebel- 
lion against authority as then exercised. Cor- 
ruption in doctrine, superstition in worship, and 
abuses in discipline showed the need of reform, 
which Councils, assembled for that purpose, 
seemed unable to accomplish. The denial of the 
Chalice to the laity, which custom, spreading 



the reformation 



9 



slowly, had been sanctioned at the Council of 
Constance in 141 5, was felt to be a great de- 
privation. Yet there can be little doubt that 
the main causes of the Reformation were the 
awful scandals and abuses of the Papacy, and the 
iniquitous traffic in pardons, indulgences and 
masses. Martin Luther, a monk at Erfurt, 
lighted the torch that set all of Europe ablaze, 
and resulted in the great religious upheaval of 
the sixteenth century, a movement that swept 
away much that was evil but also much that was 
good. Political war followed religious contro- 
versy, the stubborn opposition of the Papacy to 
reform and the hasty action of the reformers 
leading to woful rents in the Body of Christ. 
When peace came after long and desolating 
wars, the Continental Reformation left Western 
Europe divided between the Roman Church, 
which had in the meantime partially reformed 
herself at the Council of Trent, and numberless 
Protestant bodies, which had lost Apostolic Or- 
der and had drifted away from the ancient Faith. 
To-day the Eastern, Anglican and Roman Com- 
munions, though outwardly separated from each 
other, have invisible union through Christ, as 
the Church Catholic, agreeing in the essentials 
of the Faith, while about them are many sect- 
arian organizations without valid Ministry or 
Sacraments, and ever multiplying as new quar- 
rels still further divide them. 

IV 

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH 

The Ancient Church in the British 
Isles. At what time and by whom Christianity 



10 



THE CHURCH 



was planted in Ancient Britain, now called 
England, is not known. The establishment of 
the Church there has been variously attributed 
to S. Paul, to S. Joseph of Arimathea and oth- 
ers, but there is no reliable evidence to support 
any special claim. The Church was probably 
introduced from France, then known as Gaul, 
late in the first or early in the second century, 
as British Bishops were either present at Early 
Councils or gave assent to their decrees. The 
Sees of London, York and Lincoln were very 
early founded, but the Church was not strong, 
as instanced in sending to the Gallican Church 
for Germanus and Lupus to help stamp out the 
Pelagian heresy. It could boast, however, of 
one of the first martyrs, S. Alban. In Ireland 
Christianity is said to have been early intro- 
duced, but it is to the great S. Patrick that the 
Church there owed its establishment in the 5th 
Century. Through the Irish Missions, Scotland 
in turn received Christianity. With the inva- 
sion of Britain in the 5th Century by the Anglo- 
Saxons, the ancient British Church was driven 
into Wales and Cornwall, where it existed, cut 
off from the rest of the Christian world. 

The Anglo=Saxon Church. No notable 
attempt was made to convert the Anglo-Saxons 
until 597, when Gregory the Great, Bishop of 
Rome, sent Augustine and his Monks to Britain. 
Carrying the Cross and chanting the Litany they 
landed on the southern coast of England, near 
Canterbury. Not long afterwards Ethelbert 
the King of Kent, was converted and baptized 
with many of his followers, and Augustine ap- 
plying to the Gallican Church for consecration 
was made the Archbishop of the English, with 



THE ANGIylCAN CHURCH II 



his Cathedral at Canterbury. Minor differences 
prevented Augustine and the remnant of the 
Ancient British Church from working together. 
Consequently Augustine and his clergy only suc- 
ceeded in planting the Church in the southern 
part of the country, the northern kingdoms of 
the Anglo-Saxons being converted largely 
through the efforts of the Scotch-Irish Monks 
of Iona and Lindisfarne, two great religious 
foundations, tracing their origin to S. Patrick, 
when Ireland was known as " The Isle of the 
Saints." In the missionary labours of the 
Church, the names of S. Columba, S. Aidan, S. 
Chad and S. Cuthbert will ever be remembered. 
The Church steadily prospered, and in the sev- 
enth century, in the time of Theodore, the Arch- 
bishop of Canterbury, was fully organized and 
known far and wide as the Church of England. 

The Mediaeval Church of England. In 

1066 the Norman Conquest changed many 
of the conditions of both Church and country. 
The Normans were a wonderful people, ener- 
getic and progressive. Originally Northmen, 
by their occupation of that portion of France 
since known as Normandy, and by their inter- 
marriage with the people there, they became one 
of the most highly civilized races of the west. 
Their love of architecture and organization, their 
cultivation of learning and the fine arts made a 
great impression on the English Church and 
people. Yet while the outward glory of the 
Church increased, the Faith, while being essen- 
tially maintained, became overgrown with cor- 
rupt superstitions and practices, and the morals 
of many became lowered with worldly living. 
The continual efforts of the Papacy to dominate 



12 



THE CHURCH 



and rule both the English Church and the Eng- 
lish people achieved partial success during this 
period, but never to the extent that obtained 
on the Continent of Europe. The Middle Ages 
consequently saw England with the rest of 
Europe ripe for reformation. 

The Reformation in England. This 
practically began in the sixteenth century when 
the revival of Greek literature showed how far 
the Church had corrupted Apostolic faith and 
practice. Unlike the movements on the Conti- 
nent, which resulted in the formation of Protest- 
ant bodies, the Reformation in England was 
one in which the Church purified herself in a 
lawful and canonical manner, doing away with 
what was wrong in teaching and superstitious 
in practice. The work of the Reformation 
found its occasion in the refutation of the polit- 
ical usurpation of the Papacy, both the State 
and the Church rejecting all interference in their 
affairs by the Church and Court of Rome. From 
this action on the part of the Church of England 
came the reformation in doctrine and practice, 
which looked to the purification of worship and 
to the uplifting of the morals of the people. 

As in all such movements some evil came 
with the good. With the errors swept away 
were also carried many pious beliefs and devout 
practices which, while not matters of faith, were 
spiritually helpful. The wholesale spoliation 
and demolition of the Monasteries, and the turn- 
ing adrift of their inmates upon the world, to 
gratify the covetous greed of King and Nobles 
is a dark spot in the history of the English Re- 
formation. A judicious purification would have 
done away with such evils as existed, and would 



THE ANGLICAN CHURCH 1 3 



have made the Church of England far stronger 
and better equipped for work at the present 
day. 

The efforts at reform were greatly retarded 
by the difficulty of reconciling the differences of 
the Reformers, some of whom aimed to preserve 
the Apostolic teaching and character of the 
Church, others, known as Puritans, striving un- 
der the plea of ' ' simplicity in worship " to sub- 
stitute private opinions and preferences for the 
teaching and institutions of the Church. The 
translation of the Bible and Liturgy into Eng- 
lish, the remodelling of the Service Books, the 
ordering of the Offices to be said "in a tongue 
understanded of the people," the purification of 
ceremonial, and the elevation of the morals will 
stand as the best and most enduring witnesses of 
the good accomplished by the English Re- 
formation. 

Since those days the Church has weathered 
many storms : the persecution under Queen 
Mary, the overthrow of the Kingdom and of 
Episcopacy by Cromwell, and the evils conse- 
quent to the revolution. Upon the restoration 
of Church and State, the work of reform con- 
tinued, the movement virtually ending with the 
publication of the Prayer Book of 1662. Among 
those who at different times most ably advo- 
cated Catholic teaching may be mentioned 
Archbishop Laud, Jeremy Taylor, George Her- 
bert, Pearson, Thomas Ken, Hooker, and 
Lancelot Andrewes, generally known as the Car- 
oline Divines, whose writings and saintly lives 
did much for the Church. 

The Church in Later Days. The eight- 
eenth century found the religious life of the 



14 



the church 



Church in a state of apathy, consequent upon 
the latitudinarian teaching of the period. The 
lack of religion, reverence, morality, and per- 
sonal piety is sad to contemplate and the records 
of the condition of churches and the observance 
of the services are hard to believe. The move- 
ment started by John and Charles Wesley in 
the latter part of the eighteenth century accom- 
plished some good but unfortunately resulted in 
a schism, in the formation of the Methodist body. 
Later, the Evangelical Revival succeeded in 
stimulating personal piety, its weakness being 
found in the failure to teach in a definite, positive 
manner, in the lack of proportion in the pre- 
sentation of great truths, and in the neglect of 
the Sacraments. 

The greatest power for good arose early in 
the nineteenth century in the Catholic Revival, 
called the Tractarian or Oxford Movement. It 
resulted in the strongest stimulation of the spir- 
itual life that the Church of England has seen 
since the Reformation. It received its inspira- 
tion from the publication in 1827, of John Keble's 
4 ' Christian Year." This was followed in 1833 
by the publication of a series of papers, at first 
brief, then more lengthy, called " Tracts for the 
Times," written by a group of Oxford men noted 
for their learning and piety, among them being 
John Henry Newman, Keble, Isaac Williams, 
Rose, Froude, and later on Dr. Pusey. The 
object was to awaken the Church to the realiza- 
tion of her Apostolic heritage, of her Divinely 
given Authority, and of the precious privileges 
within her reach. The Tracts continued until 
1840, the movement constantly growing in 
strength. It was however largely misunder- 
stood. There was open hostility in many 



THE ANGLICAN CHURCH 1 5 



quarters. The originators were vilified. Con- 
troversy raged and charges were made in the 
most reckless fashion. The Bishops tried to put 
the movement down, and finally the storm 
broke, and Newman, Faber, and others, in de- 
spair of success, joined the Roman Communion. 

Under the leadership of the great Dr. Pusey, 
who was loyally supported by Keble, Williams, 
Mozley, Church and others, little by little, slow- 
ly but surely, the party recovered from this 
catastrophe and steadily gained in strength. 
Its principles began to be accepted. Its fol- 
lowers increased. Its position was established. 
Its influence was felt beyond the seas. It won 
supporters in high places, among the Bishops, in 
Parliament and at the Bar. First Doctrine, 
then Ceremonial was fought for, and now at the 
beginning of another century, while the battle is 
not yet ended, the Catholic Revival has attained 
a success at one time despaired of. In many 
places Apostolic truth is preached and Catholic 
ceremonial is practised in the purity and beauty 
of ancient days. The Sacraments are duly 
administered, the Eucharist is frequently cele- 
brated, churches are properly appointed and 
cared for, worship is reverently rendered, peo- 
ple are properly instructed, ecclesiastical archi- 
tecture is studied, guilds and societies are 
organized, Communities and Sisterhoods are 
instituted, and wherever the Catholic Revival 
has been felt there the Church is seen in her 
majesty and beauty. Its adherents are the most 
loyal supporters of the Inspiration and Infalli- 
bility of Holy Scripture, the voice of Antiquity 
being regarded as the safest guide to its inter- 
pretation. 



i6 



THE CHURCH 



V 

THE CHURCH IN AMERICA 

The Church was introduced to America with 
the planting of the Colonies, and was the first 
branch of the Catholic Church settled in the 
land. Before the Revolution the work was car- 
ried on by a few Parish Priests and private Chap- 
lains, looking to the Bishop of London as their 
Diocesan. When peace followed the war of lib- 
erty, Episcopacy was obtained in the Conse- 
cration of Dr. Seabury, by the Bishops of the 
Episcopal Church of Scotland. He was the first 
Bishop of Connecticut and the first Prelate of the 
American Church. Other Bishops were gained 
in the Consecration of Dr. White as Bishop 
of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Prevoost as Bishop 
of New York, by the Archbishops of Canter- 
bury and York, assisted by the Bishop of Bath 
and Wells, and the Bishop of Peterborough. 
Dr. Madison was shortly afterward Consecrated 
the Bishop of Virginia. Through these Bishops 
the great American Church with over ninety 
Bishops and with several thousand Clergy has 
her Apostolic Orders and Succession. She is 
notably blessed in her splendid Liturgy, in her 
Missionary organization, in her freedom from 
state interference and in the spread of Catholic 
truth. 

To-day, the Anglican Communion, including 
those bodies officially known as " The Church of 
England," " The Protestant Episcopal Church in 
the United States of America," " The Church of 
Ireland," " The Episcopal Church of Scotland," 
" The Church of England in the British Colonies 
and Heathen Lands," and the Foreign Missions 



THE CHURCH IN AMERICA 



17 



of the American Church, stands with three hun- 
dred Bishops, many thousands of Clergy and 
many millions of the Laity as a great branch of 
the Catholic Church, having Continuous Descent 
from the Apostles, 1 happy in the use of an Eng- 
lish Bible and an English Liturgy, with Sacra- 
ments administered as directed by our Lord 
and holding "the Faith once delivered to the 
Saints " in its beauty and purity. 

1 This is a matter of fact, not a matter of opinion. 



THE LITURGY 



I 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
LITURGY 



HE Book of Common Prayer, as well as the 



Office of Holy Communion, has often 



been called our " Incomparable Liturgy." 
As a whole, it is probably superior to all others 
now in use, and is to be loved, honoured, and 
guarded as our own special heritage, allowing 
us to worship God in " a tongue understanded 
of the people." In many ways it is one of the 
greatest achievements of the Anglican Church. 
At once dignified and devotional, it is a model 
of choice English and an example of Catholic 
simplicity. It is notably rich, not only in pre- 
senting in pure form the Chief Act of Worship 
of the Church, together with the Lesser Services 
of Morning and Evening Prayer and the other 
Offices for religious occasions, but also in pro- 
viding for the active participation of both Priest 
and people, as no other Rite does, Rome and 
Protestantism especially leaving little for the 
Laity to do. 

The Service of Holy Communion, which is 
the Liturgy proper, has also been known under 




iS 




"a little child shall lead 

THEM." 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



19 



various other names, each of which accentuates 
some special aspect of this sacred Rite, as " the 
Breaking of Bread," "the Lord's Supper," 
"the Oblation," "the Holy Eucharist," "the 
Sacrifice," "the Holy Mysteries," "the Divine 
Liturgy," "the Sacrament of the Altar," " the 
Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ," 
"the Blessed Sacrament" and "the Mass." 
Most of these are retained in the Book of Com- 
mon Prayer, and are found used in Holy Scrip- 
ture or in Ancient times. The use of the word 
1 ' Mass " is deprecated by some, not as wrong but 
as inexpedient. No proper objection can be 
made to the word " Mass " as a word, or because 
it is the name generally applied to the Offering 
of the Holy Sacrifice by the Roman Communion. 
Its use however may not be advisable or expe- 
dient, on account of its disputed origin and 
meaning, its association in the minds of many 
with mediaeval error and superstition and the 
intentional omission from the Prayer Book. 
There could be no better names than those of 
"Holy Communion," "Holy Mysteries" and 
"Holy Eucharist." The last, that of "Holy 
Eucharist," may especially be advocated as it 
most clearly brings out the meaning of the ser- 
vice and emphasizes the thought that the Holy 
Communion is not only our greatest blessing and 
privilege but also our solemn "Sacrifice of 
praise and thanksgiving." 

The Liturgy was not at first written for fear 
of those outside the faithful learning the sacred 
words. That a similar order however was fol- 
lowed, wherever the Holy Eucharist was cele- 
brated, is seen on comparing those Ancient Rites, 
when later put into writing, those Forms which 
have come down to us showing a resemblance 



20 



THE LITURGY 



only to be explained by a common model. For 
convenience' sake these Early Liturgies may be 
divided into four families : the Oriental, used in 
the East, the Alexandrian, used in Egypt and 
Abyssinia ; the Roman, used in Rome, Italy and 
Africa ; the Ephesian, used in Ephesus. These 
are often known by the names of their reputed 
composers such as the Liturgies of S. Chrysos- 
tom, S. Clement, S. James ; S. Mark, S. Basil ; 
S. Peter ; S. John. From the Ephesian Rite of 
S. John sprang the Mozarabic Liturgy, used in 
Spain, and the Gallican Liturgy, used in 
France. 

From France the Gallican Liturgy was intro- 
duced into England (then Britain) probably at 
the time of the planting of the Church there. 
It flourished in Britain for a long time. When 
Augustine and his followers came from Rome in 
597, to convert the Anglo-Saxons, who had pos- 
sessed the larger part of the land, they found 
the British Church, which was existing in the 
more remote parts of the country to which it 
had been driven, still using the Gallican Liturgy. 
Augustine, acting on the instructions of Gregory 
the Great, did not try to supplant this Liturgy 
with the Roman Rite, but combined the two 
into what was virtually a new national Use. 
The existence of these several Liturgies led to 
the Cathedral and Collegiate centres compiling 
Adaptations of their own, called " Uses." That 
of Old Sarum, which was arranged in 1085 by 
Osmund, Bishop of Salisbury, gradually sup- 
planted all others in popular use, becoming the 
Rite generally followed in England, up to the 
Reformation. 

The recital of the wService in Latin, which 
these changes brought about, which language 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 21 



was only understood by the Clergy and culti- 
vated classes, was a great defect and soon af- 
fected the spiritual life of the people. To 
remedy this, there were issued in English for 
private use Books of Devotion containing the 
Canonical Hours and other Offices, and Primers 
of instruction on doctrine and duty. Such 
works however, did not compensate the people 
for the failure to understand the recital of the 
public Offices. This together with the excessive 
number of the Service Books and the compli- 
cated directions for their use, which it has been 
said, made "it take longer to find out how to 
do a thing than to do it," showed the need of 
liturgical reform. 

This may be said to have begun with the publi- 
cation of the "Bishops' Book" in 1537, the "King's 
Book" in 1543, and the "Primer" in 1545, con- 
taining short instructions and devotions, which 
prepared the way for the issue in 1548, of an 
English translation for the Laity, of part of the 
Liturgy, entitled " The Order of Communion." 
The Reformers then set to work to revise and 
remodel the Service Books, their aim being 
shortness, simplicity and a return to the earlier 
and purer forms. The Mediaeval Books of the 
Missal, or the Mass, the Breviary, or the daily 
Prayers, the Pontifical, or the Episcopal Acts, 
the Manual, or the occasional offices, with other 
minor works, were revised, condensed, translated 
into English and formed into one book, the whole 
being issued in 1549 as the First Prayer Book 
of Edward VI. Subsequent revisions, not al- 
ways wise ones, are known as the Second Prayer 
Book of Edward VI., issued in 1552, which work 
however never came into general use, or received 
the approval of Convocation ; the Prayer Book 



22 



THK LITURGY 



of Elizabeth, published in 1559, 1 in some respects 
a compromise between the two books of Ed- 
ward ; and after some revision in the reigns of 
King James I., and Charles II., the Prayer Book 
0/1662, which with slight modifications is that 
in use in England to-day.. Another revision 
which may be mentioned, is that which w T as pre- 
pared in 1637, in the reign of Charles I., to be in- 
troduced into Scotland, which attempt signally 
failed. The present Liturgy of the Scottish 
Church is a revision of the Edition of 1764, which 
came from the Nonjurors. The English Book 
however is largely used. 

In its final revision the Liturgy of the Church 
of England is one to be respected and admired. 
It has stood the test of centuries and its Catholic 
character cannot be questioned by anyone con- 
versant with the Prayer Book, and the sources 
from which it came. The splendid Liturgy of 
the American Church, however, though inferior 
in places, as a whole is infinitely superior. 
Modelled somewhat after the Scottish Service, 
it is notably blessed in having a full form of 
Consecration, Invocation and Oblation. It may 
be looked upon as the best of all the Reformed 
Liturgies and the one which most closely con- 
nects us with the past, through Old Sarum Rite 
tracing the descent of the Anglican Office to the 
Ancient Liturgy of Saint John of Ephesus. 

II 

EXPLANATION OF THE SERVICE 

All Ancient Liturgies had two connected but 
distinct parts, known as the Pro-Anaphora and 
1 Also a Latin Edition in 1560, which somewhat differs. 



EXPLANATION OF THK SERVICE 23 



the Anaphora. 1 The first part, which differed 
considerably, consisted of what were called the 
Mass of the Catechumens and the Mass of the 
Faithful, and included the Prayers, the Epistle, 
the Gospel, the Creed and what followed up to 
the Sursum Corda ; the second part, which varied 
slightly, embraced the Eucharistic Prayer, the 
Consecration, the Intercession for the Living 
and the Dead, and the Communion. These di- 
visions are still apparent in the Ordinary and 
Canon of our reformed Rite. For the sake of 
clearness they may be subdivided and described 
as follows 2 : 

The Introduction 

The Lord's Prayer. The Service fittingly 
begins with the recital of the Lord's Prayer, 
which as the Divinely given Pattern well directs 
the intention of all the Divine Offices. Here it 
is said only by the Priest, and with the Prayer 
for Purity which follows, is part of his pre- 
paration, formerly being appointed to be said 
secretly. 

The Collect for Purity. This very an- 
cient and very beautiful prayer brings before us 
the need of personal purity, for our approach to 
the Holy Mysteries about to be celebrated. It 
is an echo of the Beatitude, "Blessed are the 
pure in heart, for they shall see God." 

The Commandments. The recital of the 
Decalogue is a peculiarity of the Anglican Rite 

'Anaphora means "Lifting up" and refers to the 
Offering. 

2 It had better be read with the Service on page 

This Order is that of the American Church. 



24 



THE UTURGY 



but notwithstanding is eminently appropriate. 
Here at the beginning of a service which is to 
bring to us God veiled in the Sacrament of the 
Altar, we are carried in spirit to the time when 
God, hidden in the clouds of Sinai, showed His 
Glory and Grandeur, and revealed to man His 
Eternal Counsels in these Laws of Holy Living. 

The Short Summary. This drives the 
sense and spirit of the Commandments, as ex- 
plained by our Lord, in our Duty towards God 
and our Duty towards our neighbour. This Sum- 
mary may be read in addition to the Decalogue, 
or may be said in its stead. It does not appear 
in the Rite of the Church of England, in its 
place being a Collect for the King. 

The Kyrie Eleison. These petitions, 
"Lord have mercy upon us" " Christ have 
mercy upon us" "Lord have mercy upon us," 
here follow to express, not only our sense of un- 
worthiness but also our trust in God's Forgive- 
ness. They were formerly said nine times. 
Now they are used in their shorter form when 
the Commandments are omitted or when the 
Short Summary is said. They are not found in 
the English Rite. 

The Prayer for Direction. This is set 
forth in the American but not in the English 
Service. It asks God's loving guidance, care 
and protection, and shows our reliance on Him. 

The Collect, Epistle and Gospel. These 
are as appointed for the Day. The Collect is 
a brief prayer, composed of a few petitions col- 
lected together, emphasizing one special thought ; 
the Epistle is a selection taken from God's 



EXPLANATION OE THE SERVICE 25 



Word as written by the Apostles or Prophets ; 
the Gospel is God's Word as revealed in the 
Life and Teaching of our Lord. Together the 
Epistle and Gospel, representing the Scriptures, 
which, Inspired by the Holy Ghost and written 
by human agents, are Divine and Human, sym- 
bolize the Incarnation of Christ, " The Word 
made Flesh." In some Churches, the ancient 
practice is followed of singing between the Epis- 
tle and Gospel the Sequence, so called be- 
cause it followed (sequitur) the Epistle, and the 
Gradual, because sung on the steps (in gradibus) 
of the Altar. These are generally verses from 
the Psalms, ending with Alleluia. 

The Creed. This is the Church's declaration 
of the historical and doctrinal statements of 
"the Faith once delivered to the Saints." By 
its recital we profess our belief in and pledge 
ourselves to follow the teaching of the Holy 
Catholic Church. 

The Offertory 

The Sentences. The Sermon (if there is 
one) having been preached, one or more sen- 
tences from Holy Scripture, on the duty of Alms- 
giving, are read to make the people realize their 
responsibility as stewards of God's Blessings, 
and to urge them to give liberally according to 
their means. 

The Presentation of Alms. The moneys 
which have been collected are now offered to 
God at the Altar, teaching that God is the 
Giver of all good gifts, and that in spending for 
the Church or the poor we give Him of His Own. 



26 



THE LITURGY 



The Oblations of Bread and Wine. The 

elements of Bread and Wine to be consecrated 
are then in turn presented at the Altar. As God 
accepts the Alms to be given to the Church or 
the poor, so He accepts the Bread and Wine, to 
become the means of conveying Our Blessed 
Lord to us. 

The Prayer for the Church. 1 This is a 
general Intercession both for the living and the 
dead. It points to the intention with which we 
are to offer up the Eucharist, for all Estates of 
the Catholic Church. 

The Approach 

The Exhortation. This begins what may 
be called the Approach to the Holy Mysteries. 
The Exhortation is a short note of warning, re- 
minding us that we must draw near in faith, 
love, and repentance, making confession of our 
sins to Almighty God. 

The Confession. 2 The Priest as well as 
the people kneels, and together they make an 
humble acknowledgment of sin. When we 
think of how dreadful sin is, how it caused the 
Fall, the sorrow and suffering due to the Fall, 
and above all the Crucifixion of Christ, we do 
well to bow low before God, against Whose In- 
finite Love we so frequently offend, and ask His 

1 It is most unseemly and irreverent to leave the Church 
at this point, as is the custom of some. It is turning away 
from the coming of the Lord, dishonours the Sacrament 
and avows one's unfitness for remaining with Christian 
people. 

2 See Chapter on Penitence. Tt is assumed that those 
who use these words have previously examined them- 
selves and asked God's pardon. 



EXPLANATION OF THE SERVICE 27 



Forgiveness for the sake of Christ, Who died 
for " us men and for our salvation." 

The Absolution. Standing, the Priest, 
speaking for God, by virtue of his Office, con- 
veys God's Forgiveness of sin to all who truly 
repent. Thus the Precious Blood of Jesus is 
applied to the sOul, and the stains of sin washed 
away. 

The Comfortable Words. The burden of 
sin has been laid at the Cross and lifted in Ab- 
solution. Now in the Comfortable Words, taken 
from Holy Scripture, we are assured of rest and 
peace, through the Merits and Mediation of 
Jesus Christ. 

The Can on 

The Sursum Corda. The more solemn 
portion of the service then begins. We are 
raised to a higher plane as the words ' ' Lift up 
you7' hearts" bid us think only of the near ap- 
proach of our Lord in the Holy Mysteries. 

Introduction and Preface. With impres- 
sive words the Priest now declares our bounden 
duty to render thanks and praise to Almighty 
God, as with intense adoration we wing our spir- 
itual flight unto the Throne of Grace and lis- 
ten to the Sanctus Song. 

The SanctUS. This is the Triumphant 
Hymn of the Angels, our solemn act of adora- 
tion. Before us comes the vision of Heaven. 
We bend low in worship before Almighty God. 
We think of the Majesty of His Glory. We pic- 
ture the glorious company of the Apostles, the 
goodly fellowship of the Prophets, the noble 



23 



THE UTURGY 



army of Martyrs, the Holy Church throughout 
the world, as with them we join our praises 
to the chaunting of the Celestial Choirs, and 
with Angels and Archangels and with all 
the Company of Heaven, laud and magnify 
God's Glorious Name. Well may we with Ser- 
aphim veil our faces as we think of God's 
Glory, and adore Him in the Highest Heaven, 
Him Who is Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy 
Ghost, Three Persons in One God, even the 
Lord of Hosts, the Lord Most High. 

The Prayer of Humble Access. As the 

Sanctus ends, for a moment a solemn stillness 
seems to reign. God who is ever near is com- 
ing nearer in a sacramental manner. We have 
sung His Glory. Now we humble ourselves 
before Him, and pray that which is called in the 
East the " Bowing Down Prayer," for only in 
such spirit may we approach the King. And as 
the Prayer ends there follows the Hymn, 1 'Blessed 
is He that Cometh in the Name of the Lord, 
Hosanna in the Highest" 1 the Song of wel- 
come to Him, Who comes to us in these Holy 
Mysteries. 

The Consecration. The tremendous act of 
the whole service is now to take place, the act 
that is to bring our Blessed Lord near to us. 
All should kneel low in silent adoration and 
worship. There should be perfect stillness as 
the Priest most reverently and solemnly recites 
the Short Commemoration of our Lord's Death 
and Passion, and says the Words of Institution, 
which being essential to valid Consecration are 
found in all Liturgies. By these Words of our 

1 S. Matthew xxi. 7. 



EXPLANATION OF THE SERVICE 29 



Lord, and by the Descent of the Holy Ghost 
the earthly elements are blessed and sanctified, 
the Bread and Wine becoming the Body and 
Blood of Christ, a Mystery we cannot under- 
stand but must believe on the Word of our 
Saviour. 

The Oblation. Continuing, we present unto 
the Father the Solemn Memorial, commanded 
by our Lord, commemorating His Acts in the 
work of Redemption, and rendering our most 
hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits pro- 
cured unto us by the same. 

The Invocation. This is the solemn com- 
memoration of the work of the Holy Ghost as 
the effectual agent in the Consecration of the 
Bread and Wine to become the Body and Blood 
of Christ. The splendid form of Invocation 
which the American Church uses, in common 
with the Scottish and Eastern Churches, is not 
clearly set forth in the Office of the Church of 
England and is lacking in the modern Latin 
Rite. Continuing, the Canon commemorates the 
personal offering of each worshipper, of "our- 
selves, our souls and bodies," together with the 
"sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving" asking 
God to accept this our Oblation, and to grant to 
the living and the dead the remission of their 
sins through the Merits and Mediation of Jesus 
Christ. This personal offering of the worship- 
per should be carefully noted and realized. After 
beseeching God that all may worthily receive 
these Holy Mysteries of the Most Precious Body 
and Blood of Christ, the Canon ends with a 
fine ascription of praise in the words, " through 
Jesus Christ, our Lord : by Whom and with 
Whom in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all 



3Q 



the; liturgy 



honour and glory be unto Thee, O Father Al- 
mighty, world without end. Amen." 

The Communion 

The Priest's Communion. The Priest 

first makes his Communion, thus completing the 
Offering. Then after silent prayer, he turns to the 
people, holding the Sacred Elements as an invi- 
tation for all who so desire, to approach. 

During this time it is often the custom to 
sing the Agnus Dei, which is taken from the 
Gloria in Excelsis, " Lamb of God that takest 
away the Sins of the World, have mercy upon 
us " thrice repeated except that the words 1 'Have 
mercy upon us" are changed to " Grant us Thy 
Peace" in the last petition. 

The Communion of the People. Rever- 
ently coming forward and kneeling at the Altar 
rail, the people receive the Sacrament in both 
kinds, as administered by our Lord. By this 
partaking of Christ's" Body and Blood they thus 
appropriate to themselves the Benefits won by 
the Sacrifice of the Cross. It is a solemn mo- 
ment and all should try to realize the Sacred 
Presence and appreciate the Precious Gift, kneel- 
ing in fervent love and devout thanksgiving. 1 
For by this Sacramental union, we have the 
pledge of everlasting life, " Christ in us the hope 
of Glory." Silent, reverent and adoring should 

1 The irreverent practice of some of leaving the Church 
immediately after their communion cannot be too strongly 
condemned. It dishonours our Lord, disturbs devout 
worshippers, deprives of the Blessing and if done at a 
worldly feast would pronounce the doer lacking in polite- 
ness. The practice is altogether without authority. 



EXPLANATION OF THE SERVICE 31 



all be during these solemn moments, for truly 
the Scripture says : " The Lord is in His Holy 
Temple ; let all the earth keep silence before 
Him." 1 

The Thanksgiving 

The Lord's Prayer. The Divine Mysteries 
have been received but Christ is still present. 
The souls of the faithful are uplifted with the 
joy of Communion and with an unspeakable 
peace and exaltation. We are profoundly thank- 
ful for the Sacred Gifts and we feel the insuffi- 
ciency of our own prayers. Thus the Church, 
knowing her children's needs, places here for all 
to say, the "Our Father," that we may fitly 
adore God and express the devotion filling our 
hearts. 

The Thanksgiving. This is a very beauti- 
ful prayer. It thanks God for the Holy Mys- 
teries of the Most Precious Body and Blood of 
Christ, and asks God's Grace tc do such good 
works as He has prepared for us to walk in. 

The Gloria in Excelsis. Though uniquely 
placed in this position in our Liturgy, we may 
specially rejoice that in its words we may wor- 
ship Him Who is still with us, veiled in the 
Elements of Bread and Wine." 2 Fittingly then, 
at the very close of our Service, which has raised 
us to Heaven, in our Sacramental union with 
our Lord, do we sing the Angel's Song, the first 
Christian Hymn, with which the heavenly host 
on the Morn of the Nativity sang the Glory of 

1 Habakkuk ii. 20. 

2 This more than compensates for any loss due to this 
position differentiating our Rite from others, Ancient and 
Modern. 



32 



THE LJTURGY 



God Incarnate. No other Liturgy in the world 
has such a magnificent ending as this of the 
Anglican Church. 

The Benediction. The form used is pecu- 
liar to our Rite. It is from two places in Holy 
Scripture and is very beautiful. First the Pax 
Vobiscum, or the Peace which passeth all under- 
standing, is pronounced by the Priest upon all 
the assembled worshippers, after which he gives 
the Blessing of the Father and of the Son and 
of the Holy Ghost, the Eternal and Ever 
Blessed Trinity. 

In silent prayer and devout thanksgiving the 
people kneel until the Priest consumes what re- 
mains of the Consecrated Elements, makes the 
ablutions and then passes from the Choir. Then 
in gladness may all go to their homes, for they 
have "been with Jesus" and have received 
Him, the King of Glory, the Son of God Most 
High. 

A very beautiful interpretation of the sev- 
eral acts of the Office suggests that the Introit 
symbolizes the Song of the Angels, the Lord's 
Prayer, Christ teaching the Apostles to pray, 
the Epistle, salvation offered to but refused by 
the Jews, the Gospel, salvation accepted by the 
Gentiles, the Creed, our Lord's teaching, the 
Alms and Oblations, the Gifts of the Magi, the 
Consecration, Christ's Passion, the Communion, 
Christ laid in the Tomb, the Gloria in Excel- 
sis, the Resurrection, the Benediction, the 
Ascension. 



RITUAL AND CEREMONIAL 33 



III 

RITUAL AND CEREMONIAL 

All who are spiritually minded must feel that 
such a solemn service cannot be too reverently 
or too frequently celebrated. Instituted by our 
Lord and bringing the faithful into union with 
Him, it must ever be the great Act of Christian 
Worship, and now as in ancient times, 1 when- 
ever possible, should be offered daily. Nor can 
too much honour be shown to Christ, the Ob- 
ject of all worship. Saint Paul says let " all 
things be done decently and in order " 2 This 
implies certain Rites and Ceremonies, which not 
only ensure the reverent rendering of the ser- 
vice, but also show forth its two-fold character 
as a Sacramental Feast 3 and a Commemorative 
Sacrifice. 4 Ceremonial in truth enshrines and 
interprets doctrine. The order of the Liturgy, 
the distinctive dress of the Clergy, the use of rit- 
ual acts and even the arrangement of the Church 
were all instituted for this purpose. The whole 
man — body, soul, and spirit — should worship Al- 
mighty God. 

Thus Rites and Ceremonies, indifferent in 
themselves, become the means of expressing rev- 
erence, arousing devotion and showing forth 
some mystical meaning. Strictly speaking, Rites 
are the Forms of Words, or written Services, 
Ceremonies the appointments of Church and 
Clergy and outward acts of worship. The Rites 
and Ceremonies used by this branch of the 
Church are those allowed by the Ornaments 
Rubric of the Church of England, which the 

1 Acts ii. 42, 46. 3 i Cor. x. 16 and P. B. 

2 1 Cor. xiv. 40. 4 1 Cor. xi. 26 and P. B. 

3 



34 



THE UTUE.GY 



Preface of the American Prayer Book gener- 
ally accepts. For that which is not explicitly 
set forth, the usage of Antiquity or the custom 
of the universal Church is followed. 1 The gov- 
erning thought, however, should be that all cere- 
monial must have a spiritual or symbolical 
meaning. The following notes of explanation 
may be helpful : 

The Service. This is said or sung. At the 
Choral Service the Clergy and Choir enter in 
Procession, to show that in the words of the 
Psalmist 1 ' they will go from strength to 
strength" 2 journeying with our Lord to the 
Holy City on High. They are led by the Cross, 
for it is the symbol of redemption and the glory 
of the Church, " God forbid that I should glory 
save in the Cross of yesus Christ." 3 So our 
Lord went before them carrying His Cross. 4 
Banners are sometimes borne to arouse devotion 
and to teach the truths of the Faith, <k Thou 
hast given a banner to them that fear Thee that 
it may be displayed because of the truth" 5 The 
service is often sung, as the best way of praising 
God, thus following the custom of the Jewish, 
Ancient and Medieval Church and obeying the 
words of Scripture, " Come, let us sing unto 
the Lord" 6 Incense is sometimes used, because 
it symbolizes the Merits of Christ and the 
Prayers of the Saints, and because the Bible says, 
" In every place Incense shall be offered unto 
My Name and a Pure Offering." 1 

1 Common sense must often guide. To say that unless 
explicit directions are given, a thing must not be done is 
ridiculous. If so, then^ there is no way for a Priest to en- 
ter the Church, as no directions are given. 

2 Psalm lxxxiv. 7. 4 S. John xix. 17. 

3 Galatians vi. 14. 5 Psalm lx. 4. 6 Pslam xcv. 1. 
7 Malachi i. 11. 



RITUAL AND CEREMONIAL 35 



The Church Building. This is divided into 
the Nave where the people worship, the Chan- 
cel where the clergy and choir stay, and the 
Sanctuary where the Altar is. These three 
divisions symbolize the Church Militant on 
earth, the Church Expectant in the Place of De- 
parted Spirits and the Church Triumphant in 
Heaven, and correspond with the Outer Court, 
the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies of the 
Jewish Temple, which was modelled after God's 
directions. A Rood-Screen, so called because 
surmounted by a Cross or Crucifix, often separ- 
ates the Nave and Choir, symbolizing that death 
is the entrance to the life beyond the veil and 
the Cross the hope of salvation. The Font is 
placed by the entrance door and the Altar in 
the Sanctuary at the farthest end, to show the 
solemn rite of Baptism, which begins the 
Christian life, leading to the Holy Sacrament of 
Communion, the greatest privilege of the 
Christian life. 

In the Sanctuary \ the most sacred part of the 
Church, the Passion of Christ is shown forth, 
in the Service of Holy Communion wherein is 
represented our Lord's Death and Sacrifice, and 
in the Appointments of the Altar, where it is 
symbolized. The Altar is elevated to teach that 
our Lord was lifted up at the Crucifixion. When 
made of stone it symbolizes the rock of Calvary ; 
when of wood, the Cross. On the ledge, called 
the Re-table, which is behind the Altar, is a 
Cross, to tell the manner of Chrlst's Death, 
but without the Figure, as we worship a Living 
Lord in the Sacrament. The Candles are there, 
all to teach that Christ was the Light of the 
world, the two larger ones or Eucharistic Lights 
that He is God and Max. The Vases of 



36 



THE LITURGY 



Flowers 1 are used to honour our Lord and to 
symbolize that He is, " The Rose of Sharon and 
the Lily of the Valleys." 2 The Altar is covered 
with a Fair Linen Cloth, to symbolize the 
Sacramental Feast, and that Cloth is marked 
with Five Crosses to typify the five Wounds of 
Christ. The Hangings or Frontals of Coloured 
Silk or Cloth show forth the Church's Seasons, 
White for most Festivals, Violet for Advent and 
Lent, Green for Epiphany and Trinity, Red for 
Whitsunday and Martyrs. These Frontals are 
embroidered to teach that God's House should 
be made beautiful. Behind the Altar there is 
often a Feredos, a carved stone or wooden screen 
or wall, or else a Dossal or embroidered hang- 
ing of cloth or silk. Thus art and architecture 
are made to contribute to sacred uses, and the 
structure and appointments of God's Holy 
Temple to show forth His teaching. 

The Priest's Vestments. The Clergy 
who wear a Cassock, Surplice and Stole at 
ordinary offices, which Vestments are copied 
after the Garments worn by our Lord, often use a 
distinctive dress in honour of the greater Service 
of Holy Communion, and in order to symbolize 
Christ's Passion on the Day of the Cross. 
These Fucharistic Vestments, which are worn 
over the black Cassock, 3 with their mystical 
meaning are as follows : the Amice, a deep 
white collar passed over the head, symbolizes 
the Linen with which our Lord was blind- 
folded ; the Alb, a white linen garment resem- 
bling a Cassock, symbolizes the white robe 

1 In ancient times flowers were strewn on the floor. 

2 Canticles ii. i. 

3 The Cassock was the ordinary street dress of the 
Priest in olden times. It signifies devotion or consecration. 



RITUAL AND CEREMONIAL 37 



placed on Christ by Herod ; the Girdle, a linen 
cord for the waist, symbolizes the rope by which 
Christ was Scourged ; the Stole, a silk scarf, 
crossed on the breast, with ends hanging down, 
symbolizes the rope by which Christ was led ; 
the Chasuble, an upper garment with opening 
for the head, marked with a Cross on front and 
back, symbolizes the Seamless Robe of Christ, 
the Cross in front meaning that the Priest is 
pledged to follow the Cross, the Cross at back 
that he must bear the Cross ; the Maniple, a 
small Stole on the left arm, symbolizes the 
cords which bound our Lord. A further mys- 
tical meaning interprets the Amice as symboliz- 
ing faith, the Alb purity, the Girdle discipline, 
the Stole obedience, the Chasuble Charity and 
the Maniple humility. Bishops often wear the 
Eucharistic Vestments at the Celebration. At 
other times they wear the Rochet and Chimere, 
the latter once the street dress of a Bishop, and 
on special occasions the ancient Vestments of 
Cope and Mitre. The Crozier or Pastoral Staff 
which is sometimes used, shows forth their office 
as shepherds or overseers of the Church. 

The Priest's Acts. These also have their 
meaning. Before entering the Sanctuary the 
Priest has reverently made ready the Chalice 
and Paten, by placing over the Chalice a linen 
Purificator, and on that the Paten and over all 
the Pall, Linen Veil, Silk Veil and Burse or 
silk square, containing the Linen Napkin or 
Corporal, this last to be spread over the middle 
of the Altar. On entering the Sanctuary, the 
Priest bows, ascends to the Altar, arranges the 
Vessels and Book, and then returns to the Altar 
steps for a few silent prayers of preparation. 



33 



THE UTURGY 



Then going to the Altar he begins the Service. 
During the Office the Priest stands that he may 
offer the Holy Oblation 1 as Christ's Repre- 
sentative, 2 to pray in His Stead. 2 He kneels 
only at the Confession and Prayer of Humble 
Access, to show his own unworthiness. He 
faces the people when he speaks for God to 
them ; he faces the Altar when he pleads for 
them to God. When he prays with arms ex- 
tended, so that with his body he forms a Cross, 
he obeys Saint Paul's command : " I will there- 
fore that men pray everywhere lifting up holy 
hands y 3 When he genuflects it is as a special 
act of reverence. The ceremonial washing of 
his hands is to show the need of purity, " I will 
wash my hands in innoce7icy Lord and so will 
I go to Thine Altar." 4 The Cleansing of the 
Chalice is to ensure that none of the consecrated 
elements are left. 

The People's Acts. The spiritually minded 
will ever wish to make a good Communion. It 
is possible to do this without any extraordinary 
act of outward reverence, yet when it is remem- 
bered that the Object of such worship is our 
Blessed Lord it would seem that one should be 
unwilling to forego any way of showing Him 
honour. Surely we should not do less in the 
Temple of the King of Kings, than is rendered 
in the Courts of earthly Sovereigns. Such acts of 
reverence will honour our Lord and help our 
devotion. They must never however be mean- 
ingless or be done mechanically. The heart and 
soul must go with the body. Nor will any de- 
vout worshipper ever object to such marks of 



1 i Cor. xi. 26. 

2 2 Cor. v. 20. 



3 1 S. Timothy ii. 8. 

4 Psalm xxvi. 6. 




'THEY FELL DOWN AND 
WORSHIPPED HIM." 



RITUAI, AND CEREMONIAL 39 



reverence in others. He will at least realize the 
purpose of them and will remember the words 
of S. Augustine, who voices the practice of An- 
tiquity : " No man eats this Flesh unless he first 
adores ; for the Wise Men and the Barbarians 
did worship this Body in the Manger with great 
fear and reverence ; let us therefore who are 
Citizens of Heaven at least not fall short of the 
Barbarians. But thou seest Him not in the 
Manger but on the Altar ; and thou beholdest 
Him not in the Virgin's arms but presented by 
the Priest and brought to thee in sacrifice by the 
Holy Spirit of God." 

The following may be helpful to a reverent 
Communion : 

Receive at an early service and fasting. 1 This 
is ordered by Canon Law and is the practice 
of the Universal Church. It should be 
remembered that the Paschal Supper, after 
which our Lord Instituted the Holy Euch- 
arist, was a strictly religious meal, carefully 
prepared for. It in no way countenances 
non-fasting communion, as the Eucharist is 
our Paschal Meal. Evening communions, it 
is needless to say, are contrary to all proper 
principle or practice. 

Be in Church for private prayer a few minutes 
before the service and never leave until 
after the Blessing. 

Reverence the Cross and A Itar on entering and 
leaving, for there the Holy Mysteries are 
celebrated. 

Sign the Cross before and after the service ; at 
the conclusion of the Creed, and Gloria in 
Excelsis ; before the Gospel, and before and 



1 Except in extreme age or delicate health. 



4o 



f HK LJTURGY 



after receiving the Holy Communion, for 
the use of the sign of the Cross is an act of 
faith. It acknowledges the Symbol of our 
salvation, is a short Creed in action, and is 
in accord with ancient practice. 

Kneel on your knees and remember the Pres- 
ence of God. 

Kneel or bow in the Creed at the words " And 
was Incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the 
Virgin Mary and was made Man," as an act 
of humility and an acknowledgment of the 
Mystery of the Incarnation. 

Before Communicating kneel for a moment at 
the entrance to pew, and also before and 
after taking your place at the Altar rail, as a 
mark of reverence to Christ Present in 
the Sacrament, and in obedience to the 
Scriptural requirements, 4 1 Co??ie let us wor- 
ship and fall dozvn and kneel before the Lord 
our Maker y 1 

hi Communicating, never wear gloves but let 
the Priest place the Consecrated Bread in 
the palm of the right hand, crossed over the 
left to make a cross or throne. Never 
take the Chalice but see that you receive the 
Consecrated Wine by guiding the Chalice by 
the base, as the Priest holds it. Never allow 
the Sacred Elements to fall, as they are the 
Body and Blood of Christ. Never use a 
handkerchief after receiving. If a woman 
never fail to raise your veil. 

Read a Short Thanksgiving before leaving 
Church and on the way home observe the 
rule of silence, thinking of the Precious Gift 
received. 



1 Psalm xcv. 6. 



RITUAI, AND CEREMONIAL, 



41 



In following such practices, however, it must 
not be forgotten that mere Ceremonial is worth- 
less. Its greatest enemies are those who make 
it an end in itself instead of a means to an end, 
whose devotion centres in Ceremonial instead of 
passing through it to rest in God. Its truest 
lovers are those who use Ceremonial but as an 
adjunct and accessory to worship, yet if occasion 
required, could forego it all, without lessening 
their devotion, since they have made it but the 
outward expression of the inward aspiration of 
the soul, of that spiritual worship that centres 
in God and not in creatures. 

It is important therefore to remember that the 
principle which determines both the spirit and 
fashion of all worship, is that of honouring 
our Blessed Lord and Saviour. If we are 
mindful of Him, as the Object of our Devotion, 
we shall not be wanting either in the spirit or 
expression of reverence. 



THE CHURCH CATECHISM. 



HE Church Catechism is a short instruction 



on Christian doctrine. Though rudimen- 



tary and compiled with the evident inten- 
tion of being enlarged, it is complete, in the 
sense that what is not explicitly set forth is im- 
plied. This instruction is divided into five dis- 
tinct parts showing a logical order or progression, 
as follows : 

I. The Christian Covenant, or the Bap- 
tismal Vows. 

II. The Creed, or the Declaration of the 
Faith of the Church. 

III. The Commandments, or the Laws 
of Holy Living. 

IV. The Lord's Prayer, or the Divine 
Model of Prayer. 

V. The Sacraments, or the appointed 
means of grace. 

The questions and answers of the Catechism, 
which it is advisable that all should read and 
study, may be supplemented bv the following 
brief notes. 




42 



THE CHRISTIAN COVENANT 43 



I 

THE CHRISTIAN COVENANT 

The Sacred Rite of Baptism is one of the 
two Divinely appointed Sacraments generally 
necessary to Salvation. It is administered with 
water in the Name of the Father, Son and 
Holy Ghost, and confers the gifts of Regen- 
eration, Forgiveness of Sins, and Grace, and the 
Character of a Christian. It makes the recip- 
ient : "<z member of Christ" or part of our 
Lord's Mystical Body, the Church, in which all 
Christians, like branches of a tree, are members 
one of another and draw their life, light and 
strength from Christ the Head ; " the child of 
God" or God's Son by adoption and grace, 
through Christ, His Son by Nature, so that all 
can love and pray to God as ' 4 Father " ; " an in- 
heritor of the Kingdom of Heaven" or heir to 
all the privileges of the Church, such as Holy 
Communion in this world and everlasting joy in 
the world to come. 

Holy Baptism is sometimes called "Christen- 
ing " because a name 1 is given at the pouring on 
of water in the Name of the Blessed Trinity. 
This name should be a constant reminder of the 
solemn promise to follow in the profession and 
religion of Jesus Christ. The Baptismal Vow 
or Christian Covenant is a three-fold promise 
made by the individual, if of sufficient age, or 
else by those who stand for him, who are called 
Sponsors because they answer or respond to the 
questions, and GoD-parents because they bring 
the child to God. The baptized becomes re- 

1 N. or M. in the Catechism stand for nomen, nomina, 
name or names. 



44 The church catechism 



sponsible for the fulfillment of the promises, on 
reaching years of discretion, that is when he 
can judge between right and wrong. 

The promises made are three : (i) 44 to renounce 
the Devil and all his works " or sin generally, 
and especially spiritual and intellectual pride 
which lead to unbelief; " the pomps and vanities 
of this wicked world" or vain ambition and 
worldliness such as too great love of pleasure 
and riches, which are " pomps," because they 
make a great show, and "vanities" because 
empty of lasting joy ; 44 and all the sinful lusts 
of the flesh" or sins of the body such as impu- 
rity, intemperance, sloth and gluttony ; (2) " to 
believe all the articles of the Christian Faith,'" 
or assent to the doctrines declared in the Creed 
of the Church ; (3) 4 4 to keep God's Holy Will and 
Commandments and walk in the same all the 
days " of our life, or by God's Grace to conse- 
crate one's life to His Service in holy living. By 
this Covenant man promises repentance for the 
past, faith for the present, obedience for the 
future, and God promises pardon for the past, 
grace for the present, glory for the future. 

II 

THE CREED OF THE CHURCH 

A right life being largely dependent on a right 
Belief or a positive, definite Faith, the Creed is 
next set forth. The Belief of the Church, having 
been known and held by all of the faithful, was 
not at first put into writing. Later, the spread of 
Christianity made this necessary, in order the 
better to teach the people and condemn error. 
The Scriptures contain many dogmatic declara- 
tions or fragments of a Creed, which prove that 



THE CREED OF THE CHURCH 45 



definite expositions of the Faith preceded the 
written Bible. Each article of the Creed how- 
ever appeals to the Scriptures, as a witness of its 
truth, the Church, which guided by the Holy 
Ghost gave us both Creed and Scripture, being 
the authority for both. The Apostles' Creed, 
the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed are 
but three declarations 1 of the same belief, the 
first named being the simple statement of 
the facts of Revelation, the others being 
the fuller expression of their doctrinal signifi- 
cance. In its original form the Apostles' Creed 
was one of the earliest in use, but as we now 
have it, is probably of later date than the Nicene. 
Some think it is so named from the tradition of 
its having been compiled by the Apostles ; others 
from its reputed use in the Apostolic Church of 
Rome. Very probably its title arose from the 
fact of it having been the Creed of the Primitive 
Church, setting forth the Apostles' doctrine. 

The Nicene Creed was compiled and authori- 
tatively set forth by the First CEcumenical 
Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., with the pri- 
mary object of condemning the Arian heresy. 
As first issued, it ended with the words ' ' I be- 
lieve in the Holy Ghost," the succeeding 
clauses having been added by the Council of 
Constantinople in 381 a.d. The Athanasian 
Creed, or Hymn of S. Athanasius, was probably 
written by S. Hilary, the Bishop of Poictiers, to 
explain the teaching of Athanasius. It is in 
Latin, the other Creeds being in Greek. It is 
the most accurate definition of the Mysteries of 
the Trinity and the Incarnation anywheres to 
be found in Theology. 

*It may be noted that the Te Deum Laudamus is also 
a Creed, though used as a Hymn of Praise. 



■\6 THE CHURCH CATECHISM 



The Nicene Creed. 

1. I believe in One GOD the 
Father Almighty, Maker of 
Heaven and earth, and of all 
things visible and invisible ; 

2. And in One Lord Jesus 
Christ, the Only Begotten 
Son of GOD ; Begotten of His 
Father before all worlds, GOD 
of GOD, Light of Light, Very 
GOD of Very GOD ; Begotten, 
not made; Being of One Sub- 
stance with the Father; by 
Whom all things were made; 
"Who for us men and for our 
Salvation came down from 
Heaven, And was Incarnate by 
the Holy Ghost of the Virgin 
Mary, And was made Man ; 
And was Crucified also for us 
under Pontius Pilate ; He 
suffered and was Buried; And 
the third day He Rose again 
according to the Scriptures : 
And ascended into Heaven; 
And sitteth at the Right Hand 
of the Father : And He shall 
come again, with Glory, to 
Judge both the quick and the 
dead ; Whose Kingdom shall 
have no end. 

3. And I believe in the Holy 
Ghost, the Lord and Giver of 
Life, Who proceedeth from the 
Father and the Son ; Who 
with the Father and the Son 
together is worshipped and 
glorified ; Who spake by the 
Prophets ; 

4. And I believe One Cath- 
olic and Apostolic Church : 

5. I acknowledge One Bap- 
tism for the remission of sins ; 

6. And I look for the Resur- 
rection of the dead : 

7. And the life of the world 
to come. Amen. 



The Apostles Creed, 

1. I believe in GOD, the 
Father Almighty, Maker of 
Heaven and earth : 



2. And in Jesus Christ 
His Only Son, our LORD: 



Who was conceived by the 
Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin 
Mary : suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was Crucified, Dead 
and Buried: He descended in- 
to Hell; the third day He Rose 
again from the dead ; He as- 
cended into Heaven : And 
sitteth on the Right Hand of 
God the Father Almighty: 
From thence He shall come to 
Judge the quick and the dead. 



3. I believe in the Holy 
Ghost ; 



4. The Holy Catholic Church; 

The Communion of Saints: 

5. The Forgiveness of Sins : 

6. The Resurrection of the 
Body ; 

7. And the Life Everlasting. 
Amen. 



The Athanasian Creed* 

Whosoever will be saved : before ail things it is necessary that 
he hold the Catholic Faith, which Faith except every one do keep 
whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. 
And the Catholic Faith is this: 

1, 3. That we worship One GOD in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity ; 
Neither confounding the Persons; nor dividing the Substance. 
For there is One Person of the Father, another of the Son; and 



THE CREED OE THE CHURCH 47 



another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the 
Son and of the Holy Ghost is all one ; the Glory equal, the 
Majesty co-eternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son: and 
such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate; 
and the Holy Ghost uncreate. The Father incomprehensible ; the 
Son' incomprehensible ; and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible. 
The Father eternal, the Son eternal; and the Holy Ghost eternal. 
And yet there are not three eternals ; but one eternal. 
As also there are not three incomprehensibles nor three uncreated; 
but one uncreated and one incomprehensible. So likewise the 
Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty: and the Holy Ghost Al- 
mighty. And yet there are not three Almighties; but one Al- 
mighty. So the Father is GOD, the Son is GOD: and the Holy 
Ghost is GOD. And yet there are not three GODS; but one GOD. 
So likewise the Father is LORD, the Son LORD: and the Holy 
Ghost LORD. And yet are not three LORDS : but one 
LORD. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity 
to acknowledge every Person by Himself to be GOD and LORD; 
so are we forbidden by the Catholic Religion : to say there be three 
GODS, or three LORDS. The Father is made of none ; neither 
created or begotten. The Son is of the Father alone: not made 
nor created but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of 
the Son: neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. 
So there is one Father, not three Fathers ; one Son, not three 
Sons: one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this 
Trinity none is afore, or after other: none is greater, or less than 
another ; But the Whole three Persons are co-eternal together : and 
co-equal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid: the Unity in 
Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped. He there- 
fore that will be saved: must thus think of the Trinity. 

2. Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation : that he 
also believe rightly the Incarnation of our LORD Jesus Christ. 
For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess : that our 
LORD Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD, is GOD and Man ; GOD, of 
the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds: and Man, 
of the Substance of His Mother, born in the world; Perfect GOD, 
and Perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting. 
Equal to the Father, as touching His Godhead : and inferior to the 
Father, as touching His Manhood. Who although He be GOD and 
Man: yet He is not two but one Christ; One: not by conversion 
of the Godhead into flesh: but by taking of the Manhood into 
GOD ; One altogether ; not by confusion of Substance ; but by 
Unity of Person. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one 
man : # so GOD and Man is one Christ; Who suffered for our 
salvation : descended into hell ; rose again the third day from the 
dead, He ascended into Heaven, He sitteth on the Right hand of 
the Father, GOD Almighty : from whence He shall come to judge 
the quick and the dead. (6) At Whose coming all men shall rise 
again with their bodies : and shall give account for their own 
works. _ (7) And they that have done good shall go into life 
everlasting : and they that have done evil into everlasting fire. 

This is the Catholic Faith ; which except a man believe faithfully 
he cannot be saved. 1 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. 
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world with- 
out end. Amen. 



1 The so called "damnatory clauses" only apply to those who 
deliberately, willingly and knowingly reject the Catholic Faith, 
when clearly presented to their conscience and reason. 



4 s 



THE CHURCH CATECHISM 



The similarity of the three Creeds is seen at a 
glance, the Nicene and the Athanasian forms 
being doctrinal explanations of the simple state- 
ments of the Apostles' Creed. The two itali- 
cized clauses in the Apostles' Creed are not in the 
Nicene, but the first of them is proved by the 
Epistle of Saint Peter and appears in the Atha- 
nasian Creed, and the second of them is em- 
bodied in the declaration on the Church. To 
know the statements and explanations of these 
three forms of a Common Creed is to under- 
stand, as far as man can understand, the doc- 
trines of the Catholic Faith. 

The Creed is in reality founded upon the 
Baptismal Formula given by our Lord in the 
words : * * Go ye therefore and teach all nations, 
baptising them hi the name of the Father and of 
the Son and of the Hol y Ghost: teaching them to 
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded 
you." 1 This may be separated into the follow- 
ing main divisions or declarations : 

I. The Mystery of the Trinity : 
The Father, 
The Son, 

The Holy Ghost. 

II. The Incarnate Life of our Lord ; 

III. The Person and Work of the Holy 
Ghost ; 

IV. The Holy Catholic and Apostolic 
Church ; 

V. The Forgiveness of Sins ; 

VI. The Resurrection of the Body ; 

VII. The Life Everlasting. 

The following may be by way of explanation : 
1 S. Matthew, xxviii. 19, 20. 



THE CREED OF THE CHURCH 49 



I. The Mystery of the Trinity. The 

existence of God as the Creator and Controller 
of all things is proved by the works of nature, 
the voice of conscience, and the existence of the 
soul. In addition, God has given us the 
knowledge of Himself in the revelation of 
Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten Son, Who 
hath declared Him. This revelation, which we 
call the Mystery of the Eternal and Ever Blessed 
Trinity, is that God is " One God, One Lord ; 
not One Only Person but Three Persons 1 in 
One Substance. For that which we believe of 
the Glory of the Father the same we believe 
of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, without 
any difference or inequality." 2 Thus we say in 
the Athanasian Creed " the Father is God, the 
Son is God, the Holy Ghost is God. And yet 
there are not three Gods but One God." 
God is Eternal, without beginning or end, 
Incomprehensible, Who cannot be understood 
by the human mind, Ineffable, Who cannot be 
described by human language. 

God is Spirit and is Omnipotent, Omniscient 
and Infinite, therefore we finite beings who are 
below cannot comprehend the Infinite One Who 
is Above. We can however, in perfect love and 
trust turn to God as possessing all wisdom, 
knowledge and power. We can know Him as in- 
finitely Loving, Good, Merciful and Just, His 
Love being shown in our creation, preservation 
and redemption, His Goodness in our spiritual and 
temporal blessings, His Mercy in the remission 
of our sins, His Justice in the reward of the 
good and the punishment of the wicked. Thus 

1 Person in Theology has been defined as " Individual 
Conscious Existence. 

2 Special P. B. Preface for Trinity Sunday. 

4 



5o 



THE CHURCH CATECHISM 



we can best think of God as the Father, Who 
made us, the Son, Who redeemed us, the Holy 
Ghost, Who sanctifieth us, Three Persons in 
One God, Who is Love, Light and Life. 

II. The Incarnate Life of Our Lord. 
The doctrine of the Incarnation is that the 
Word of God, the Only Begotten Son of the 
Father, for us men and for our Salvation came 
down from Heaven, was Conceived by the Holy 
Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary 1 and was made 
Man, the Word made Flesh. He is Perfect 
God of the Substance of the Father, and Per- 
fect Man, of the Substance of His Mother, 
having two whole "and perfect Natures, Divine 
and Human, in One Person, the Person of 
the Word, " not by conversion of the Godhead 
into Flesh, but by taking the Manhood into 
God." 2 He is our Lord, having all power in 
Heaven and earth, 3 King of Kings and Lord of 
Lords. He is called Jesus, Saviour, because 
He saves us from our sins, Christ, Anointed, 
as Prophet, Priest and King. He is the Lamb 
of God from the foundation of the world, be- 
cause He offered Himself a Sacrifice upon the 
Cross. He is the Lord our Righteousness, be- 
cause in and through Him we are made holy and 
acceptable before God. As the Son of God He 
is the King of Glory and the Head of the 
Church ; as the Son of Man He is the Seed of the 

1 S. Mary is called by S. Luke " the Mother of the 
Lord," and by a Council 14 the Mother of God," i. e., 
she who brought forth Him who was Goo. Conceived ac- 
cording to the flesh she calls her Divine Son, Saviour, and 
benefitted by the Sacrifice of the Cross. Sanctified ac- 
cording to the Spirit she was the Instrument of the Incar- 
nation, and Ever-Virgin. We reverence and honour the 
B.V.M. as "blessed among women" We worship and 
adore Christ as Lord and Master of all. 

2 Athanasian Creed. 3 S. Matthew, xxviii. 18. 



THE CREED OF THE CHURCH 5 1 



Woman and the Judge of all men. This is the 
Mystery of the Incarnation. In His manifest- 
ation on earth we may contemplate Christ's In- 
carnate Life as follows : He as our Lord 
came to be " tempted in all points like as we are 
yet without sin, " 1 that we might copy the Ex- 
ample of His beautiful Life. He " went about 
doing good"* 1 working His Miracles, teaching 
His Parables, preaching the Gospel of Salva- 
tion. He "pleased not Himself," z but in 
all things fulfilled the Will of Him Who sent 
Him, 4 to give His Life a ransom for many. 5 He 
was the "Man of Sorrows ' 6 and acquainted 
with grief, 6 constantly persecuted, reviled and 
misunderstood. 

His Conception is known as the Incarnation, 
His Birth as the Nativity, His sojourn in the 
wilderness as the Temptation; His Sufferings and 
Bloody Sweat in the Garden of Gethsemane, the 
Agony, His being taken by Judas, the Betrayal, 
His Sufferings before Annas, Caiaphas, Herod 
and Pilate, the Passion? His bearing the Cross 
to Calvary, the Way of Sorrows, His being 
nailed to the Tree, the Crucifixion, His Death, 
the Giving up of the Ghost, 8 His being laid in 
the Sepulchre, the Entombment ; His Rising 
from the Dead, the Resurrection; His departure 
into Heaven, the Ascension, His Glory at the 
Right Hand of God, the Session; His Second 

1 Hebrews iv. 15. 3 Romans xv. 3. 6 S. Mark x. 45. 

2 Acts x. 38. 4 S. John iv. 34. 6 Isaiah liii. 3. 

7 Strictly speaking the Passion began at the Institution 
of the Eucharist and ended on the Cross. 

9 Christ's Body rested in the Tomb, His Spirit went 
to the Place of Departed Spirits (the Hades or Hell of the 
Creed, not Gehenna, the abode of the lost) but Body and 
Soul were both joined to His Divinity. During this time 
He offered Salvation to those who had gone before. 
(Epistle S. Peter.) 



52 THK CHURCH CATECHISM 



Coming in the Clouds of Heaven to judge both 
the quick and the dead, the Last ^Judgment. 
The Resurrection of our Lord is the great truth, 
and hope of our Religion, for as S. Paul said, 
" . . if Christ be not Risen then is our preaching 
vain and your faith is vain." 1 The Resurrection 
is the triumph of the Cross, a fact shadowed 
forth by Types in the Old Testament and sup- 
ported by absolute proof to a reasonable mind. 
The conviction of the Apostles, who had sunk 
into utter despair and lack of faith, and the 
power of the Resurrection in the history of the 
Catholic Church and the lives of those who be- 
lieve are the best witnesses of this great doctrine 
of the Faith. Our Lord Rose from the dead by 
His Own inherent power as God, passing through 
the sealed rock, in Real but Glorified Body, as 
revealed at the Transfiguration. After His 
Resurrection, during His sojourn on earth for 
forty days until the Ascension, He was seen 
only as He willed to be seen, proving the Reality 
of His Glorified Body by sight,' 2 by touch, 3 and 
by taking food. 4 Before the Crucifixion He may 
be said to have been Visible with the power of 
making Himself Unseen. 5 After the Resurrec- 
tion He is Invisible with the power of making 
Himself Seen. All worship of the Church cen- 
tres in the Risen Glorified Lord. 

III. The Person and Work of the Holy 
Ghost. The Holy Ghost, the Third Person 
of the Blessed Trinity, proceeds from the Father 
and the Son, and as the Lord and Giver of life 
is with the Father and the Son to be wor- 

1 i Cor. xv. 14. 2 S. Luke xxiv. 31. 

3 S. John xx. 27 ; S. Luke xxiv. 3^ 

4 S. Luke xxiv. 43. 5 S. John viii. 59 ; S. Luke iv. 30, 



The; creed of the; church 53 



shipped and glorified. He is the Comforter of 
the Church and the Witness of the Truth, con- 
vincing of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. 1 
He spoke in and by the Prophets and inspired 
the Sacred Scriptures. He is the Spirit of Life 
ever abiding in the Church, teaching of God, 
speaking through Conscience, striving with sin- 
ners, working in the Sacraments, perfecting the 
saints, directing and counselling the servants of 
God. The Bible tells us that Blasphemy against 
the Holy Ghost is never forgiven. 2 This is 
probably no one act of wrong-doing but rather 
the refusal to believe in the Holy Ghost, and 
the constant disregard of His warnings, leading 
to persistence in sin, darkness of the Conscience 
and final impenitence. Prayer to and invocation 
of the Holy Ghost is a duty and privilege en- 
joined by Scripture but too often forgotten or 
neglected. The spiritual life will be greatly 
helped and strengthened if this holy practice is 
more generally followed. We all need to say 
" Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire." 

IV. The Holy Catholic and Apostolic 
Church. The Church, the Body of Christ, on 
its invisible side is the Mystical Union of be- 
lievers with the Head, Christ our Lord, and 
on its visible side is the union of believers hav- 
ing the marks of a visible organization in the 
Ministry, the Word and the Sacraments. The 
Church is therefore not an earthly organization 
but a Divine Institution, founded and commis- 
sioned by our Lord, the Rock and Corner 
Stone on Whom it is built and the Head from 
Whom its members derive their life, and through 
Whom they are members one of another. This 

1 S. John xvi. 8. 2 S. Mark iii. 29. 



54 THE CHURCH CATKCHISM 



Fellowship is known as the Communion of 
Saints and embraces both the living and the 
dead. The Church is One because Christ insti- 
tuted one Body, with one Faith, one Lord, one 
Baptism. All baptized persons are members of 
the Church Catholic, but only those enjoy its full 
privileges and life who are found in those parts 
of the Church which possess the necessary notes 
of Apostolic Order and Ministration, as the An- 
glican, Eastern and Roman Communions. The 
Church is Holy because she is the Temple of 
the Holy Ghost, because her Doctrine, Disci- 
pline, Sacraments and Worship are holy, and be- 
cause her members are pledged to try to live a 
holy life patterned after Christ, each sin of the 
individual being a sin against the whole body of 
the Church. The Church is Catholic because for 
all peoples, all times, all places, and because she 
alone ministers to all the needs of man's nature. 
The Church is Apostolic because she holds the 
' ' Faith once delivered to the Saints." 1 The 
Church is directed by the Holy Ghost and is 
the Preserver of Truth, the Dispenser of Grace, 
the Guide in Morals. Her members are bound 
to believe all that she teaches explicitly or im- 
plicitly, which has been tested by the Rule of S. 
Vincent, that is : has been believed " every wheres, 
always and by all men." The Apostolic Minis- 
try consists of the Three Orders, of Bishops, 
Priests and Deacons, who are ordained by the lay- 
ing on of hands of the Bishops, thus perpetuating 
the Apostolic Succession and conferring the 
character of their office. Episcopal Ordination 
is absolutely necessary to a valid Ministry, it 
being well said in Ancient times, that " Where 



1 S. Jude. 



thk crebd of the church 55 



is the Bishop, there is the Church." The Priests 
stand as the Ambassadors of Christ, 1 sent by 
our Lord as the Father sent Him. 2 Their 
special work is to pray in Christ's Stead, 1 to 
celebrate the Holy Communion, 3 and by the 
Power committed 4 unto them to absolve from 
sin, 4 in the Ministry of Reconciliation. 5 The 
Bishops are chosen Priests consecrated to be the 
governing body of the Church, their special 
prerogatives being to Ordain, Confirm and Con- 
secrate. The Deacons assist in the Cure of 
Souls, but cannot Absolve, Bless, or Offer the 
Holy Eucharist. 

V. The Forgiveness of Sins. Our Lord 
taught that "the Son of Man hath power on 
earth to forgive sins." 6 This power He gave to 
His Apostles, 4 and their Successors, who at His 
command, by virtue of their Office as Priests 
and Representatives of Christ, 4 declare God's 
Forgiveness of sins. This remission of sins is 
given : (i) in Holy Baptism, which cleanses from 
both original and ante-baptismal sin, (2) in 
Absolution when God through the Priesthood 
assures the penitent of forgiveness, (3) in Holy 
Communion, which remits sins to those who 
rightly receive. 

VI. The Resurrection of the Body. At 

death the soul is severed from the body, the 
body being committed to the grave, while the 
soul goes to the Place of Departed Spirits, 
where after judgment, 7 the souls of the saved are 
purified and prepared for Heaven. At the Last 

1 2 Cor. v. 20. 2 S. John xx. 21. 3 S. Luke xxii, 19. 
4 S. John xx. 22, 23 ; and Ordination Office. 

6 2 Cor. v. 19. 6 S. Mark ii. 10. 

7 Sometimes called the Particular Judgment. 



56 THK CHURCH CATECHISM 



Day, when the dead shall rise, the body and 
soul are reunited, the body being essentially 
the same as it was before death, but then 
glorified and transfigured after the manner 
of our Lord's Risen Body, and no longer sub- 
ject to the limitation of its former condition. 
Our bodies will awake, as the Psalmist beauti- 
fully says "After His Likeness, Satisfied." 1 

VII. The Life Everlasting. At the Resur- 
rection all, good or evil, will appear before 
the Judgment Throne of Christ, rising in the 
air 2 to meet Him as He descends, surrounded 
by the Angels and the clouds of glory. Then 
will be pronounced the Last Judgment. The 
wicked will go into everlasting torment, shut 
out from the sight of God, where there will be 
the fire unquenchable, the darkness of despair, 
the wailing and gnashing of teeth in anguish, the 
worm of unavailing remorse, the endless com- 
panionship of lost souls, and the knowledge 
that heaven was lost through their own fault, 
God having done everything but force their will. 
Those who have faithfully striven to serve God, 
who died repentant in the communion of the 
Catholic Church, will enter into everlasting joy, 
where there is laid up for those who love God 
such good things as passeth man's understand- 
ing. In Heaven childhood and age with their 
limitations, and also all marks of disease and dis- 
figurement will be no more, for the redeemed 
will rise in all the perfection of 11 the measure of 
the stature of the fullness of Christ."* There 
no worldly distinction of birth and position, 
riches and talent will obtain, for though there 



1 Psalm xvii. 15. 

2 1 Thess. iv, 16, 17. 



3 Ephesians iv. 13. 



THE TEN COMMANDMENTS 



57 



are many mansions in those Heavenly places, 
the differences and degrees are those in power 
to love and appreciate God and His Glory, 
which power comes from cultivating the spiritual 
life on earth which is the place of prepara- 
tion for the life above. Yet there will be a 
common joy in the knowledge and love of God, 
in the possession of rest and peace, in the offer- 
ing of praise and worship. There God will 
wipe away all tears from the eye. No more 
will there be the night of trial or temptation, 
doubt or sorrow; no longer will there be the sea 
of separation and loneliness. There will be the 
Beatific Vision of God in His Glory, the Father 
Who made us, the Son Who Redeemed us, the 
Holy Ghost Who Sanctifieth us. There those 
who have turned many to righteousness 1 shall 
shine " as the stars forever and ever " 1 differing 
in glory, as one star from another, 2 but all filled 
with the unutterable joy of knowing and shar- 
ing in the Infinite Love of God. 

Ill 

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS 

Having found what we must believe as set 
forth in the Creed, we now come to see what 
we must do and not do to be pleasing to God. 
These Commandments or Laws of Holy Living 
were first spoken 3 by God from Mount Sinai 
amid thunders and lightnings and the blare of 
trumpets. Afterwards they were written 4 on 
two tables of stone and given by God to Moses, 
when for forty days and forty nights Moses 

1 Daniel xii. 3. 3 Exodus xx. 1-17. 

2 1 Cor. xv. 41. 4 Exodus xxxi. 18. 



58 TH£ church catechism 



communed with God, veiled in the clouds. On 
the breaking of these tables, Moses, during his 
second sojourn on the mountain, cut two others 
and wrote these Laws again at God's dictation. 1 
According to tradition these tables contained 
respectively four and six Commandments, the 
first four laws embodying our Duty towards 
God, the other six our Duty towards our Neigh- 
bour. They are simplified in the Short Summary 
of the Law spoken by our Lord, wherein we 
are told that we must love God with all our 
heart and with all our soul and with all our 
mind and our neighbours as ourselves. The Ten 
Commandments may further be explained as 
teaching respectively : 

I. Our Duty towards God : 

f I. RELIGION. 
J II. WORSHIP, 
j III. REVERENCE. 

[_ IV. consecration. 

II. Our Duty towards our Neighbour : 

V. LOVE. 

VI. DISCIPLINE. 

VII. PURITY. 

VIII. HONESTY. 

IX. TRUTH. 

X. CONTENTMENT. 

To keep these laws is to love God, for our 
Lord has told us, " If ye love Me, keep My 
Commandments,'" 2 

IV 

THE LORD'S PRAYER 

Very properly the Lord's Prayer follows the 
Commandments, as it is by prayer that we are 



1 Exodus, xxxiv. 28. 



2 S. John xiv. 15. 




** WATCH AND PRAY THAT YE ENTER NOT 
INTO TEMPTATION." 



the; lord's praykr 



59 



enabled to keep God's Laws. This Divine 
Pattern of Prayer was probably twice given by 
our Blessed Lord, once in the Sermon of the 
Mount, as recorded by S. Matthew, 1 again about 
two years later as related by S. Luke. 2 Short 
as it is, it gives the germ of all proper prayer 
and shows the spirit in which all petition must 
be made. The Lord's Prayer is also a Creed 
in miniature, its clauses, especially the first and 
last, being a confession of faith. It is likewise 
a Summary of the Commandments, its first three 
clauses setting forth our Duty towards God, One 
in Three, the last four clauses our Duty towards 
Man, dwelling in the four corners of the world. 
Given by our Lord, it reveals the Mind of 
God, and teaches : (i) that liturgical prayer is 
pleasing unto Him ; (2) that prayer should begin 
with adoration of God, since the essence of 
prayer is worship ; (3) that prayer must ask for 
spiritual before earthly blessings ; (4) that 
prayer must include Confession of Sin. The 
Lord's Prayer may be explained as follows : 

Our Father. The Prayer begins by declaring 
the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of 
Man. In this bond of Christian Charity we 
intercede for one another to our One Father, 
Who loves us all, rich or poor, high or low. 
As God, the Perfect Father, He, of His Love 
and Mercy hears us and grants our prayers 
for Jesus Christ, His Sake. — Who Art in 
Heaven. God is immanent everywhere, but 
especially is revealed in His Glory in Heaven, 
where Angels adoring veil their faces. So we 
in spirit now contemplate God in Heaven 
which we regard as our home since God is our 

1 S. Matthew vi. 9-13. 2 S. Luke xi. 2-4. 



6o THE CHURCH CATECHISM 



Father. The purer our hearts, the clearer will 
be the vision, for " blessed are the pure in heart 
for they shall see God." 1 — Hallowed be Thy 
Name. In lowly adoration we venerate God 
and acknowledge the Holiness of His Name. 
Like the shining of the sun in his splendour 
comes the vision of Heaven, the vision of Angelic 
Worship, Angelic Service, Angelic Obedience. 
We seem to hear the alleluias of the Celestial 
Choirs, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of 
Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Thy 
Glory y 2 We worship and adore, sanctifying 
ourselves that we may better glorify God's Name. 
— Thy Kiiigdom Come. The vision fades. The 
world with its need rises in its place, as we 
pray the great missionary petition of prayer and 
prophecy. We pray : (i) for the spread of 
Christ's Kingdom, the Church, to all the ends 
of the world, (2) for the Coming of His King- 
dom in grace to our souls, in power to our lives, 
in salvation to all. We also prophesy, for we 
look forward to the final triumph of the Cross, 
in the Universal and Everlasting Sovereignty of 
Christ and the Church. — Thy Will be done on 
earth as it is in heaven. In humility we now 
admit the wisdom of God's Will, so perfectly 
performed above, so poorly followed below. 
We bow before God and we pray for the perfect 
acceptance of His Will, that like the Blessed 
Virgin we may say " Be it unto ?ne according to 
Thy Word" z and like the Angels may obey 
Him Who must reign supreme. — Give us this 
day our daily bread. This is the great Euchar- 
istic prayer, for first we ask for that super- 
natural Bread, the Holy Communion, the Bread 

1 S. Matthew v. 8. 2 Isaiah vi. 1-3. 3 S. Luke i. 38. 



THE LORD'S PRAYER 



6i 



of Life, which we pray to be given to us day by 
day, for this day, for the coming day, for the 
Last Day, that it may raise us, as Christ hath 
promised, unto Everlasting Life. 1 Then as we 
acknowledge God as the Giver of all good 
things, we ask Him in this petition to grant us 
such temporal blessings as may be good for us, 
and suit our several stations, capacities and 
characters. We pray for sufficient for our needs, 
as He knows best, not for such things as may 
minister to worldliness and draw us away from 
God. And with the prayer is implied the 
petition that we may be content in that state of 
life unto which it hath pleased God to call us. 
— And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive 
those who trespass against us. These trespasses 
are both the Sins of Commission and the Sins of 
Omission. By the recital of this petition, we 
confess our sins, adding as a condition to God's 
forgiveness of us, our pardon of others. Only in 
such a spirit, can we presume to ask God to re- 
mit our sins. This petition obligates us to be 
in love and charity with all men, "for if ye for- 
give not men their trespasses, neither will your 
Father forgive your trespasses ." 2 — And lead us 
not into temptation. God does not tempt man, 3 
He simply permits us to be tempted by the 
Devil and our own lusts in order to try and test 
us, and make us strong. We are free agents but 
God gives us His Grace that we may choose 
aright. We pray therefore, not that we may 
escape temptation but rather that we maybe able 
to withstand it. Nor should we forget that 
God is with us. He leads us, in the Person 
of Jesus Christ, Who though Tempted like as 

1 S. John vi. 54. 2 S, Matthew vi. 15. 3 S. James i. 13- 



62 THE church catechism 



we are, was yet without sin. — But deliver us from 
evil. We pray for deliverance not only from 
the evil within us, in our lusts and passions, and 
from the evil without us, in the allurements of 
the world, but also from the Evil One, from 
Satan who seeks our souls. The Devil cannot 
make us sin. He can only tempt. All there- 
fore should remember the Presence, Power and 
Promise of God, for, " God is fait hf til, Who 
will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are 
able ; but will with the temptation also make 
a way of escape that ye may be able to bear it." 1 — 
For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and 
the Glory, forever and ever. Amen. Fitly in 
S. Matthew's Gospel the Lord's Prayer ends as 
it began with a confession of faith and an act of 
adoration. Again we soar in spirit far up to 
the Highest Heavens, to the Everlasting King- 
dom of the Father, where He reigns with the 
Son and the Holy Ghost in all His Power and 
Glory. Let all cherish the hope that by holy 
living they may on the Judgment Day win our 
Lord's Benediction : " Come ye Blessed of My 
Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you." 

V 

THE SACRAMENTS 

The Sacramental System is by Divine Appoint- 
ment and is God's Means of conveying Grace. 
As defined in the Catechism, a Sacrament is " an 
outward and visible sign of an inward and spirit- 
ual grace." A better name than Sacrament, 
however, is that of Holy Mystery, a title used 
in the Eastern Church and occurring in our 
1 i Cor. x. 13. 



THE SACRAMENTS 



63 



Communion Office. This indicates that these 
sacred ordinances are above our power to com- 
prehend. The number of the Sacraments is 
generally accounted to be Seven. Two of these, 
Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, are called 
the Sacraments of the Gospel or the Greater 
Sacraments, for when possible to be had, they ap- 
ply to all people, being generally or universally 
necessary to salvation. 1 The other five, those of 
Holy Order, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, 
Penance and Unction of the Sick, are known as 
Lesser Sacraments, because they generally apply 
to a less number of people. All seven are found 
in Holy Scripture and fulfil the requirements of 
a Sacrament or Holy Mystery. Only those of 
Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion 
need be treated of here. 

Holy Baptism 

This Sacred Rite has already been touched 
upon in the section entitled "The Christian 
Covenant." As there explained, Baptism grants 
the recipient Remission of Sins, Regeneration 
and Grace. The Church in accordance with our 
Lord's words teaches that Baptism is generally 
necessary to Salvation. 2 In pursuance of primi- 
tive practice the Church urges Infant Baptism. 

1 S. John iii. 5. vi. 53. 

2 It is sometimes asked if young children and others 
who die unbaptized are lost. While it is never safe to spec- 
ulate on what has not been revealed, it may be said that 
several opinions have been reverently advanced, one 
theory being that 3'oung children who die unbaptized 
through no fault of their own, are Christened by their 
guardian Angels, of whose ministrations Scripture says so 
much, and that adults truly repentant, while not seeing 
God, are in a place of rest and happiness. This is only 
conjecture. There is no opinion de fide. 



64 THE CHURCH CATECHISM 



A Priest should administer the Rite, but in case 
of grave emergency, a layman or even a woman 
may baptize, and the regular service be dispensed 
with, it being sufficient to valid Baptism if water 
is poured on with devout intention at the recital 
of the necessary words "A 7 . I baptize thee in the 
Name of the Father and of the Son and of the 
Holy Ghost. Amen." In adults, a prepara- 
tion of prayer and fasting 1 is required, for re- 
ceiving the Rite. Care should also be taken that 
the Sponsors be proper persons to stand, and that 
they are made to realize their responsibility and 
fulfil their promise of bringing the Baptized 
to the Bishop when of sufficient age for Confirma- 
tion. Baptism was formerly administered with 
great pomp and ceremony. The candidates came 
dressed in white, and many curious customs were 
followed. It should be the aim of the Clergy to 
do all in their power to exalt and honour this 
great Sacrament and impress its solemnity upon 
the people. The Priest generally uses a purple 
stole, signifying Penitence, changing it for the 
white stole after the Creed, this symbolizing the 
joy that should be felt at the solemn act of 
Baptism which immediately follows, which en- 
grafts the recipient into the body of the Christian 
Church, cleanses from original and ante-Bap- 
tismal sin and grants Regeneration and Grace. 



Confirmation 

The Sacrament of the " Laying-on of Hands" 
is that Holy Ordinance, instituted by the Apos- 
tles, under the direction of our Lord, which con- 
fers upon the baptized the special gift of the 

1 See Rubric in Baptismal Office for Adults. 



THE SACRAMENTS 



65 



Holy Ghost. It has also been called "the 
Seal," or " the Anointing " from the custom of the 
Early Christians, still continued in some parts of 
the Church, and much to be desired in our 
Communion, of anointing the Candidate with 
holy Oil. Confirmation conveys the character 
of a Soldier of Christ and gives the sevenfold 
gift of the Holy Ghost, the spirit of wisdom 
and understanding, the spirit of counsel and 
ghostly strength, the spirit of knowledge and 
true godliness and the spirit of holy fear. Con- 
firmation thus arouses a love of God, a hatred 
of sin and a desire for holiness, and by afford- 
ing the privilege of receiving the Holy Com- 
munion strengthens the recipient for his battle 
with the trials and troubles of life. Confirma- 
tion does not make the recipient a member of 
Church. Baptism does that. Nor does Con- 
firmation add to personal responsibility, because 
one who has been baptized, is bound to do his 
utmost to keep God's Commandments and to walk 
in His Ways. On the receiver's part Confirma- 
tion but ratifies and confirms the promises made 
in Baptism. Though in Ancient times admin- 
istered with Baptism, in the Anglican Church, 
Confirmation is conferred, in the case of a child 
on reaching twelve years of age, (though some 
early canons place the age at seven) and in the 
case of an adult, as soon as possible after Bap- 
tism. 

The Holy Communion 

A Sacrament. The Holy Communion is 
the greatest act of Christian Worship and the 
most precious privilege of the Christian Soul. 
It is the Solemn Oblation and Memorial of the 
Church, the pleading of our Lord's Passion and 
5 



66 THE CHURCH CATECHISM 



Death, and the partaking of His Blessed Body 
and Blood. The Anglican Communion, in com- 
mon with all branches of the Catholic Church in 
present or primitive times, holds the Scriptural 
doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the 
Sacrament, but does not define the mode of the 
Presence, further than to believe that our Lord 
is there after a Spiritual, Sacramental manner. 
This is in accord with our Lord's teaching con- 
cerning this Mystery. For in setting forth this 
doctrine to His Disciples and the Jews, 1 when 
met by objections, He re-asserted His teaching 
in still stronger words, but never fully explained 
it, leaving it a Mystery. 2 He showed that He 
was the Reality of which the Manna, the Pass- 
over and the like were but types and shadows. 
He taught that He was the True Bread, the 
Living Bread, the Bread from Heaven, the Bread 
which was His Flesh. When His hearers mur- 
mured, saying that this was " an hard saying" 
and asking how it could be, He repeated His 
doctrine, without detracting from it, saying : 
" Verily, verily I say unto you, except ye eat the 
Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, 
ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my Flesh 
and drinketh My Blood hath eternal life and I 
will raise him up at the last day. For My Flesh 
is meat indeed and My Blood is drink indeed. 
He that eateth My Flesh and drinketh My 
Blood dwelleth in Me arid I in hi7?i."' 2 

Having thus instructed His Disciples on this 
Mystery, in the fullness of time, in the night in 
which He was Betrayed, He Instituted the 
Sacrament of His Body and Blood. 3 As our 

1 S. John vi. 35-71. 2 S. John vi. 53-56. 

3 S. Matthew xxvi. 26-29 ; S. Mark xiv. 22-25 ; S, 
Luke xxii. 19-21 ; 1 Cor. xi. 23-34. 



THE SACRAMENTS 



6 7 



Lord, then in Visible Presence, taking Bread 
and Wine, Blessed them and gave them to His 
Disciples, saying : " This is My Body," 44 This 
is My Blood," so through His Sacred Priest- 
hood, He now continues to do, His Words of 
Institution, which are always repeated, and the 
Descent of the Holy Ghost, making the earthly 
elements of Bread and Wine His Blessed Body 
and Blood. How this can be we neither can 
nor dare explain nor should we argue regarding 
it. Christ is from above, we from below. He 
is Infinite, we but finite. He is God and Man, 
we but men. That which our Lord left a 
Mystery we should regard as such, accepting 
and believing the Words of our Saviour. All 
that we need know is that after Consecration 
Christ's Body and Blood are there, yet not 
carnally, corporally, or locally Present, after a 
M^fl/manner, but mystically, spiritually, and 
sacramentally Present after a supernatural man- 
ner. In His mercy He comes to us veiled be- 
neath the forms of Bread and Wine and gives 
us His Glorified Body and Blood. We receive 
Him, the Living Bread, the Lord of Glory, and 
receiving Him, we receive all that He is, God 
and Man. He dwells in us, and we in Him, 
Christ in us " the hope of glory." 1 He is our 
Lord and our God, our Life and our Light, 
our Strength and our Joy. He vouchsafes to 
have union with us and by this union 2 grants to 
us a foretaste of heaven and promises to raise 
us up at the last day. Let us " be not faithless 
but beleiving" 3 so that, when Jesus comes to us 
in the Holy Communion, we may know Him 
"*» the Breaking of Bread,"* and like S. 

1 Colossians i. 27. 3 S. John xx. 27. 

2 S. John vi. 54. 4 S. Luke xxiv. 35. 



68 the: church catechism 



Thomas welcome Him with loving words 11 My 
Lord and my God."'' 1 

A Sacrifice. The Holy Communion is 
not only a Sacrament. It is also a Sacrifice, 
or Oblation, whose value and efficacy come 
from the One Absolute Sacrifice of the Cross, 
on which our Lord Offered Himself and Re- 
deemed the World. The Oblation of the Holy 
Eucharist shows forth and pleads this Sacrifice 
of Christ on Calvary, " the One Oblation of 
Himself once offered," 2 for as S. Paul says 
"as often as ye do eat this Bread and drink 
this cup, ye do show the Lord's Death till He 
come." 3 

In the Celebration of the Holy Communion, 
there is therefore : 

I. — The Solemn Memorial and Re-present- 
ation of our Lord's Blessed Passion and 
Precious Death, His Mighty Resurrection and 
Glorious Ascension ; the Offering or pleading of 
that one, full, perfect and sufficient Sacrifice, 
Oblation and Satisfaction for the sins of the 
whole world, made by Christ on the Cross ; 

II. — The Sacrifice of Praise and Thanks- 
giving for the innumerable Benefits procured 
unto us by the same ; 

III. — The Sacrifice of Prayer and Intercession 
for all Estates in the Catholic Church, both the 
Living and the Dead. 

IV. — The Offering and Presentation of our- 
selves, our souls and bodies to be a reasonable 
holy and living sacrifice unto God ; 

1 S. John xx. 28. 2 Communion Office in P. B. 

3 1 Cor. xi. 26. 



THE} sacraments 



69 



V. — The Oblations of Bread and Wine. 

In Heaven, at the Right Hand of the Father, 
Christ ever liveth to make intercession for 
us, 1 pleading the Sacrifice of the Cross, while 
on earth, through His Sacred Priesthood, the 
solemn Oblation or Memorial of this One Sacri- 
fice, is offered at the Altar, where though His 
earthly representative is the Minister, it is 
Christ Himself Who both Consecrates and 
Offers, Who is both Priest and Victim. 

The Benefits. The prayers of the faithful 
are offered and accepted because of the Merits 
and Mediation of Christ, and those who receive 
the Sacrament of His Body and Blood appro- 
priate to themselves the Benefits won by His 
Death and Passion. 

The Benefits are well expressed in the Exhor- 
tation, where the Communion is spoken of as 
"the Most Comfortable Sacrament of the Body 
and Blood of Christ to be by them received in 
remembrance of His Meritorious Cross and Pas- 
sion ; whereby alone we obtain remission of our 
sins and are made partakers of the Kingdom of 
Heaven," to which may be added the Words of 
the Catechism that the Benefits are " the 
strengthening and refreshing of our Souls by the 
Body and Blood of Christ as are our bodies by 
the Bread and Wine." Our Lord is Life and 
we receive all that pertains to life in Christ. 
There is the forgiveness of sins, 2 the strength- 
ening of the spirit, the illumination of mind, 
the enkindlement of devotion, the purification 
of desire, the increase of love, the replenishing 
of grace, the promise of everlasting life. There 



1 Hebrews vii. 25. 



2 Words of Institution. 



70 THE CHURCH CATECHISM 



is also union with our Lord and through Him 
with God the Father and God the Holy 
Ghost — a life " hid with Christ in God." 1 If 
we seek our Lord with love, longing and de- 
votion, faith and penitence, each Communion 
will be as the fire warming and brightening the 
soul, giving us strength to withstand trial and 
temptation, to bear sorrow and suffering, to ap- 
preciate joy and gladness. By Communion we 
grow unto "a perfect man, unto the measure 
of the stature of the fulness of Christ" 2 the 
Image of God in our souls gradually regaining 
its purity in Jesus, until at the Last Day, " when 
Christ Who is our Life shall appear, then shall 
ye also appear with Him in Glory?'* 

It remains but to add a few words as to who 
should receive the Holy Communion. It is not 
a privilege only for the few, for those whose lives 
are exceptionally holy. It is for all who desire to 
be better and who will to co-operate with God's 
Grace, who come in faith, love, and repentance. 
" 1 if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all 
men unto me." x Our Lord calls all to come to 
the Offering up of the Holy Communion, the 
Memorial of that " Lifting up upon the Cross." 
He comes to save sinners. He bids all those who 
" travail and are heavy laden" 5 with their sins to 
lay them at His Feet. He says, " though your 
sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow." 6 
The Blessed Sacrament is for all who "truly 
and earnestly repent," who "are in love and 
charity with their neighbours, who intend to lead 
a new life following the Commandments of God 
and walking from henceforth in His Holy 



1 Colossians iii. 3. 

2 Ephesians iv. 13. 

3 Colossians iii. 4. 



4 S. John xii. 32. 

5 S. Matthew xi. 28. 

6 Isaiah i. 18. 



•'BEHOLD I STAND AT THE DOOR 
AND KNOCK." 



1 



THE SACRAMENTS 



71 



Ways." No one is worthy, for all have sin, but 
one may receive worthily, if he sorrows for his 
sins and wishes to amend. Instead of doing 
wrong in receiving, the penitent sins by staying 
away, for it deprives him of the chief means of 
grace and shows doubts of God's Love and For- 
giveness. No excuses will avail before God, 
and in His Word we are told of the grievous 
punishment on those who stayed away when bid- 
den to the Supper of the King. God calls all. 
Let none stay away, but come in faith, love 
and penitence, longing for the Holy Com- 
munion as the greatest spiritual blessing. Let 
them approach, saying in their hearts, " We do 
not presume to come to this Thy Table, O 
Merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteous- 
ness but in Thy manifold and great mercies." 1 
Then our Lord will say "go in peace " 2 as He 
gives the Holy Mysteries of His Blessed Body 
and Blood. " Whoso eateth My Flesh and 
dri?iketh My Blood hath Eternal Life and I 
will raise him up at the last day.'''' 

1 Prayer of Humble Access, P. B. 

2 S. John vi. 54. 



PENITENCE 



I 



SIN 



O make real progress in the spiritual life and 



quires not only the understanding of the 
nature and consequences of sin but also the 
knowledge of self and of the successive steps in 
repentance. The Moral Law of God was given 
to man from the moment of creation, conscience 
enabling the possessor to distinguish between 
right and wrong, good and evil. This Moral 
Law was explicitly set forth in the Ten Com- 
mandments, and still more clearly revealed in 
the Life and Teaching of our Lord. Sin is the 
transgression of this Law, the direct disobedi- 
ence of Almighty God, the missing the mark 
of righteousness. When unrepented of, or per- 
sisted in, its punishment is the loss of our immor- 
tal souls, for " the wages of sin is death." 1 To 
Sin is due all the evil that is in the world. Sin 
caused the fall of the Angels, the disobedience 
of Adam and Eve, and their expulsion from the 
Garden of Eden. It brought into the world 
trial and trouble, sorrow and suffering, plague, 
pestilence and famine, war, pillage and death. 




sorrow for wrong-doing re- 



1 Romans vi. 23. 



72 



SIN 



73 



Above all, it caused the Passion of Jesus Christ, 
and Crucified the Lord of Glory. The 
tempter to all sin is the Devil. Consequently 
the awf ulness of sin cannot be exaggerated, and 
the higher the plane of the spiritual life, the more 
it will be felt and appreciated. It is, however, 
most fully realized when contrasted with the 
Infinite Love of God, Who though hating sin 
does everything to save the sinner, except to 
force his will, by giving man His Grace and 
speaking through conscience. 

To help us more clearly understand the nature 
of sin, the Church has distinguished the different 
kinds and degrees of sin. Pride is the Root of all 
sin. From it springs all kinds of Vain-Glory, 
Anger, Covetousness, Envy, Gluttony, Lust and 
Sloth, which being the fountain heads of all 
wrong-doing are called Capital Shis. They be- 
come Deadly Sins when the offence is a grave 
one, results in much injury to oneself or others 
and is done willingly, knowingly and deliberately. 
They may be Venial Sins , however, when not so 
done, and their nature is not grave. While one 
who breaks one commandment "is guilty of 
all" 1 in the sense of breaking the Law as a 
whole, he is not punished for sins he did not 
commit, or for all sins alike. In Venial Sin, man 
is still in a state of Grace, but in Deadly Sin he 
is separated from God, and deprived of Grace, 
when the conscience is deadened, and good 
works of the past or present are no longer ac- 
cepted by God. As an arm severed from the 
body dies a physical death, so the soul separated 
from God dies a spiritual death. The union is 
only restored in penitence. 

Sins are also known as Actual Sins, when acts 

1 S. James ii. 10. 



74 



PENITENCE 



of sin are committed, and Habitual Sins, when 
these sins become a habit. They are Material 
Shis when ignorantly or unwillingly committed, 
but Fon?ial Sins when deliberately committed, 
with knowledge of their gravity. Sins are also 
classed as Sins of Commission, when evil is done, 
and Sins of Omission when good is left undone. 
All sin is against God, and may be of Thought, 
Word or Deed. For clearness, however, sin is 
sometimes distinguished as (i) against God, when 
it is lack of love, faith or repentance, or disre- 
gard of the teaching of the Church ; (2) against 
our Neighbour when it breaks the Law of 
Christian Charity ; (3) against Ourselves, when 
it imperils our future welfare, or hurts our spir- 
itual life. As all sin may become Deadly Sin 
when persisted in, the beginnings of sin should 
specially be guarded against, remembering how- 
ever, that Temptation is not necessarily sin. 
The successive steps in sin are generally : (1) 
Suggestion, when the sin is presented to the 
mind ; (2) Pleasure, when it is entertained with 
satisfaction ; (3) Consent, when the will is won ; 
(4) Act, when the sin is committed ; (5) Habit, 
when it is repeated continually ; (6) Slavery, 
when the power to resist is almost gone ; (7) 
Death, when the Divine Light of the soul is dark- 
ened, conscience no longer acts, the spiritual 
life is dead, the Image of God is almost obliter- 
ated, and unrepentant and unforgiven, man goes 
on in his evil ways until summoned before the 
Judgment Throne of God to receive the just 
reward of sin. To guard against such a fatal 
possibility, God has provided His means of 
Grace : the practice of penitence and the recep- 
tion of the Sacraments, whereby we gain the 
needed strength for the spiritual life. 



CONTRITION 



75 



II 

CONTRITION 

S. Chrysostom has said : " Three things are 
necessary to Penitence : in the heart, Contrition; 
in the mouth, Confession ; in the life, Amend- 
ment. " This of necessity implies Self-Examin- 
ation and Absolution. 

Contrition is the Love of God and that sor- 
row which grieves at having sinned against His 
Love. Contrition wins God's Forgiveness, " for 
godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salva- 
tion." 1 Sorrow which comes from the fear of 
punishment is Attrition and is not in itself godly 
sorrow. Contrition is aroused by looking at the 
Cross, which Spectacle of Sorrow and Suffering 
was ordered in the Providence of God, that the 
Sacred Wounds of Jesus might excite our love 
and repentance. In the Cross we learn that 
" God is Love " ' 2 and find the true motive of 
conversion and penitence. Contrition leads to 
self-knowledge, making us admit the truth and 
see our sin, for ' ' if we say that zve have no sin we 
deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." 3 
This realization of sin incites us to ascertain 
more particularly regarding our spiritual life by 
an examination of conscience. 

Self=Examination. God has commanded 
this, for He has said : " Consider your ways" 4 
"Let a man examine himself " 5 . This examina- 
tion and self-accusation shows the sins to be con- 
quered and the virtues to be cultivated, and is a 



1 2 Cor. vii. 19. 2 i S. John iv. 16. 3 1 S. John i. 8. 
4 Haggai i. 5. 5 1 Cor. xi. 28. 



76 



PENITENCE 



means to salvation, "for if we ivould judge our- 
selves zve should not be judged?* 1 Self-examin- 
ation should regularly be made : (i) briefly each 
night; (2) more carefully before each Communion; 
(3) at greater length before such occasions as 
Confirmation, First Communion, Marriage, Holy 
Orders, and the Chief Festivals and Fasts 
of the Church, such as Christmas, Easter, Whit- 
sunday, Advent and Lent. This examination is 
called General when it briefly covers all of one's 
life and Special when it only extends over the 
period elapsing since the last examination. Self- 
examination should be made in the realization 
of the Presence of God, saying "Thou God seest 
me"* 1 remembering the words of Psalm cxxxix. 
The special aim should be to see if the sins were 
done willingly, knowingly and deliberately, and 
when, where and how often. Nor should it be 
forgotten that this will require mental exertion, 
for self-examination and prayer, like all things 
worth doing, involve hard work. The examin- 
ation should be made humbly, lovingly, peni- 
tently and cheerfully, with a full trust in God's 
Mercy and Forgiveness. 

Ill 

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION 

Confession. The desire to confess one's 
faults is the fruit of God's Grace and the result 
of the realization of the awfulness of sin. It may 
safely be assumed that without the wish to accuse 
oneself there is no real repentance. Ordinarily 



1 Cor. xi. 31. 



3 Genesis xvi. 13. 



CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION 77 



it is a condition of God's Forgiveness, "If we 
confess our sins^ He is faithful and just to 
forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all un- 
righteousness" 1 In the Order of Holy Com- 
munion, as appointed by the Book of Common 
Prayer, the Church has set forth three modes of 
Confession : (a) that of confessing in the words 
of the General Confession 2 ; (b) that of confess- 
ing oneself to Almighty God 3 ; (c) that of con- 
fessing in the hearing of God's Minister. 4 In 
thus plainly permitting these ways, and distinctly 
and advisedly leaving it to the individual to de- 
termine which is best for his spiritual good, the 
Anglican Church at the same time rejects such 
a parody on penitence as is shown by one going 
to the Service and receiving the Holy Com- 
munion without preparation. 3 

The public or General Confession, by its very 
terms, assumes previous self-examination and 
accusation, the method only varying in that 
those who use secret Confession accuse them- 
selves to God in private, instead of to God in 
the presence of a Priest. The General Confes- 
sion is said with the intention of the Church 
that its general terms cover the sins previously 
confessed in private or before a Priest ; and the 
Absolution is pronounced with the intention of 
the Church that its declaration of forgiveness ap- 
plies to each individual soul, who is penitent. 5 

1 1 S. John i. g. 

2 See the Office. 

3 Second Exhortation in Office of Holy Communion. 

4 Exhortation Communion Office and Visitation of 
Prisoners, American P.B., and Visitation of Sick, Church 
of England P. B. 

5 Otherwise the use of Confession and Absolution in 
the Office is meaningless. It should be remembered too 
that the Mode of Confession has varied greatly in the 
different ages of the Church. 



78 



PENITENCE 



In all cases the Confession is made to God, and 
the Absolution comes from God, the Priests be- 
ing the Ambassadors of Christ who, publicly 
or privately speak for Christ 1 in the " Ministry 
of Reconciliation." 1 

Absolution. The Priests thus declare God's 
Forgiveness, by virtue of the power committed 
unto them at Ordination, through the laying on 
of hands by the Bishop with the words : " Re- 
ceive the Holy Ghost, for the Office and 
Work of a Priest in the Church of God, now com- 
mitted unto thee by the imposition of our hands. 
Whose sins thou dost forgive they are forgiven : 
and whose sins thou dost retain they are re- 
tained. And be thou a faithful Dispenser of the 
Word of God and of his Holy Sacraments : In 
the Name of the Father, and of the Son and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen." 2 Thus the com- 
mission given to the Apostles by our Lord, 3 
through the Apostolic Succession is preserved 
and given to each of Christ's Representatives in 
the Priesthood. In every case the Forgiveness 
of Sins is dependent upon the repentance of the 
sinner, whose Confession must be full, sincere 
and humble. Absolution spiritually applies to 
the soul the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, 
and God lifts the burden of sin, for "the Blood 
of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us fro?n all 
sin."* 

In conclusion, the position of this branch of 
the Church on Confession may best be stated in 
the Exhortation to be found in the First Prayer 
Book of King Edward VI, "... requiring 
such as shall be satisfied with a general confession 

1 2 Cor. v. 18-20. 3 S. John xx. 21-23. 

2 The Ordering of Priests. 4 1 St. John i. 7. 



AMENDMENT 



79 



not to be offended with them that do use to their 
further satisfying the auricular and secret con- 
fession to the Priest ; nor those also which think 
needful or convenient for the quietness of their 
own consciences, particularly to open their sins 
to the Priest: to be offended with them that are 
satisfied with their humble Confession to God, 
and the general Confession to the Church. But 
in all things to follow and keep the rule of 
Charity and every man to be satisfied with his 
own conscience, not judging other men's minds 
or consciences ; whereas he hath no warrant of 
God's Word to the same." If this very helpful 
counsel were more generally kept in mind, 
God's Glory would be advanced, and the law of 
Love would bear more abundant fruit. 

IV 

AMENDMENT 

Satisfaction or Amendment. This con- 
sists of acts of reparation, to show sorrow for 
sin, to confirm repentance, and to advance God's 
Glory. Our Lord made full Atonement for sin. 
Penance shows a living faith in that Atonement 
and is Scriptural, for the Word of God tells us 
to " bring forth therefore fruits worthy of re- 
pentance" 1 and assures us that " with such 
sacrifices God is well pleased " * Satisfaction or 
Penance should be rational and its effect medi- 
cinal, helping, purifying and stimulating the 
spiritual life. It need not be hard, and whether 
suggested by the Priest or self-imposed should 
be in proportion to the sin and to one's power to 



1 S. Luke iii. 8. 



2 Hebrews xiii. 16. 



So 



PENITENCE 



perform. Satisfaction or Penance may be of 
two kinds : (i) Works of Devotion, such as 
Prayer, Meditation, Religious Reading, and 
more frequent attendance at Divine Service, and 
(2) Works of Mortification, such as Fasting, 
Abstinence, giving up innocent enjoyment and 
doing uncongenial or humiliating things. Resti- 
tution must be made when necessary, it being 
remembered however, that Penance must never 
be allowed to injure the health or hurt one's 
influence for good. 

Penitential Acts. The following may be 
helpful as suggestions for advancing the Spirit- 
ual life and overcoming besetting sins : 

Lack of Faith, such as unbelief, misbelief, 
and doubt of God and His Revelation may be 
overcome by Prayer or recital of Creed, reading 
the Scriptures, studying the reasons of belief, and 
making acts of faith, such as saying, " Lord, I 
believe, help Thou my unbelief." 

Lack of Hope, such as doubt of God's Love, 
Power and Mercy, of one's Salvation, of the 
preservation of the Church, or of answer to 
prayer may be conquered by reading God's 
Promises, reflecting on the evidences of His 
Goodness, of the sinners who became saints, 
of the dangers through which the Church has 
come and by never ceasing to struggle against 
despair and despondency. 

Lack of Love, such as dryness in devotion, 
and careless disregard of the Commandments, or 
the Golden Rule of Charity may find its remedy 
in thinking of God's Love, of the Death of 
Christ, of the beauty of holiness, of the punish- 
ment of sin, and by trying to win souls for God. 



AMENDMENT 



81 



Pride may be overcome by acts of humility, 
such as visiting the poor, the sick and the un- 
congenial, reflecting on one's own shortcomings, 
cultivating modesty, giving up one's own will, 
meditating on the equality of all in God's 
Sight, and thinking of the Humility of Jesus, 
Who "pleased not Himself " 1 but " made Him- 
self of no reputation." 2 

Anger may be conquered by cultivating pa- 
tience, forbearance and charity, thinking before 
speaking, patiently hearing reproof, reflecting 
on the awful results of anger, doing good for 
evil, praying for one's enemies and meditating on 
the Silence of Jesus, 3 Who when reviled, reviled 
not again. 

Covetousness may be cured by self-sacrifice, 
self-denial and almsgiving, voluntarily giving up 
harmless luxuries and comforts, reflecting on the 
uncertainty of riches and their danger of leading 
us away from God, and meditating on the fall 
of Judas Iscariot and the Poverty of Christ. 

Lust may be overcome by fasting, shunning 
the occasions and the source of sin, cultivating 
shame, reflecting that Impurity gives one the 
mark of the beast 4 and leads to hell, 5 and by 
meditating on the Spotless Purity of Christ and 
His Promise, "Blessed are the pure in heart for 
they shall see God." 6 

Sloth may be conquered by useful labour, study 
and reading, arising early, saying additional de- 
votions and voluntarily incurring fatigue. 

1 Romans xv. 3. 

2 Philippians ii. 7. 

3 S. Matthew xxvi. 63 ; S. Luke xxiii.g. 

4 Rev. xix. 20. 

5 Rev. xxii. e S. Matthew v. 8. 

6 



82 



PENITENCE 



Gluttony may be cured by fasting, abstinence 
and self-denial, eating plain fare, dressing and 
living simply, and refraining from unnecessary 
rest, food or pleasure. 

Envy may be driven away by love, kindness 
and generosity, especially to those once envied, by 
helping others to attain their proper desires, and 
by cultivating the spirit of contentment. 

Love of the World may be overcome by the 
thought of death and judgment, heaven and 
hell. 

Love of Pleasure may be cured by meditation 
on personal responsibility in the Sight of God 
and thinking of the sorrow and suffering about 
us. 

Wandering Prayer may be conquered by 
recollection of God's Presence, repetition of 
prayers, and signing the Cross. 

These suggestions may be extended at length 
but those made may be sufficient to show the 
benefit of penitential acts, especially of Prayer, 
Fasting and Almsgiving, when understandingly, 
devotionally and reverently performed. And 
above all, it should be remembered, that looking 
on the Cross and meditating on the Passion and 
Death of Christ are the greatest incentives to 
holiness and the best means of overcoming 
temptation. 



part 1111 

preparation, 
praters anfc devotions 
for 

1bol$ Communion 



83 



SUGGESTIONS FOR SELF- 
EXAMINATION 



INCE people communicate more or less frequently 



and differ greatly both spiritually and intellectually, 



several Forms of self-examination are here set forth, 
to be used as found most helpful. It is well to heed 
the following suggestions : 

I. Remember the Presence of God. 
II. Choose the stillness and privacy of the Church or 
your room for self-examination. 

III. Avoid all formality or doing things mechanically 

by making the devotions your own and also by 
adding original prayers. 

IV. Do not become despondent, depressed, or mor- 

bid, but remember that God is ever ready to 
forgive. 

V. Seek out besetting sins and aim specially to con- 
quer thevi. 

VI. Impose penances which are remedial or corrective. 
VII. Be loving, sincere, earnest and humble, and try to 
see if sins were done willingly, knowingly, and 
deliberately. 

VIII. See God's Minister, if necessary, for spiritual 
guidance and help. 
IX. Remember that a few prayers well said are far 
better than long devotions made mechanically. 




PREPARATION FOR HOLY 
COMMUNION. 



HE following Prayers and Devotions in 



preparation for Holy Communion may be 



used on the evening before receiving, or 
in the case of a Sunday Communion may be 
separated, so that part may be said on Friday, 
part on Saturday. The devotions may be 
shortened, if deemed advisable, by following the 
suggestions placed in brackets, or omitting the 
prayers that follow them. 

BEFORE SELF EXAMINATION 

IN the Name *%> of the Father and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 



Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire 
And lighten with celestial fire. 

Thou the Anointing Spirit art, 

Who dost Thy Sevenfold gifts impart. 

Thy Blessed Unction from above 
Is comfort, life and fire of love. 




Vent Creator. 



85 



86 PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION 

Enable with perpetual light, 
The dullness of our blinded sight. 

Anoint and cheer our soiled face, 
With the abundance of Thy grace. 

Keep far our foes, give peace at home, 
Where Thou art guide, no ill can come. 

Teach us to know the Father, Son 
And Thee of Both, to be but One. 

That through the ages all along, 
This may be our endless song : 

Praise to Thy Eternal Merit, 
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

LET the words of my mouth, and the medi- 
tation of my heart : be alway acceptable in 
Thy sight, O Lord : my strength and my 
redeemer. 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who 
hatest nothing that Thou hast made and 
dost forgive the sins of all those who are 
penitent ; Create and make in us new and con- 
trite hearts that we worthily lamenting our sins 
and acknowledging our wretchedness, may ob- 
tain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect re- 
mission and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, 
our Lord, Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, we beseech Thee, let Thy 
Holy Spirit be in our minds that we 
may see our sins, in our hearts that we 
may hate them, in our mouths that we may con- 
fess them. Drive away from us all wicked de- 



BEFORE SEW EXAMINATION 87 



sires and evil longings and make us pure in 
thought and word and deed. Receive us, we 
pray Thee, in mercy and help us to feel true 
sorrow for our faults. Grant us grace to have 
a firm trust in Thee and wash us clean in the 
Precious Blood of Jesus. See us not as we are 
in ourselves but as we appear in Him. En- 
lighten us with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, 
that truly repenting of our sins, earnestly re- 
solved to lead a new life and in love and charity 
with all men, we may worthily receive the 
Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of 
Christ, with all the benefits and blessings of 
the same, all of which we ask through the Merits 
and Mediation of Thy dear Son, our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 



OMOST Merciful God and Heavenly 
Father, who art ever ready to receive 
those who turn to Thee, in sorrow and re- 
pentance, look with compassion, we beseech 
Thee, upon us, who come to be cleansed in the 
Precious Blood of Jesus. Lighten our dark- 
ness that we may see our sins as clearly as we 
shall see them when we stand to be judged before 
the Tribunal at the Last Day. Grant us to know 
ourselves as Thou dost know us, that we may 
perceive to the full extent the evil result of our 
wicked doings and humbly and penitently be- 
wailing them, may obtain Thy pardon and for- 
giveness through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen. 

{Here may be said the following, or else one may pass 
directly to the examination.} 



UR FATHER, Who art in Heaven, etc. 



{Or this) 




88 PREPARATION FOR HOI,Y COMMUNION 




SAVIOUR of the world, Who by Thy 
Cross and Precious Blood hast redeemed 



us, save us and help us, we humbly be- 
seech Thee, O Lord. Amen, 

Lord, have mercy upon us. 
Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 

REMEMBER not, O Lord, our offences, nor 
the offences of our forefathers, neither 
take Thou vengeance of our sins. Spare 
us, good Lord, spare Thy people, whom Thou 
hast redeemed with Thy Most Precious Blood 
and be not angry with us forever. 

[WILL wash my hands in innocency, O 
Lord, and so I will go to Thine Altar. 

1SAID, I will confess my sins unto the Lord 
and so Thou forgavest the wickedness of my 
sin. 

FOR we have an Advocate with the Father, 
Jesus Christ, the Righteous, and He is 
the Propitiation for our sins. 

SELF-EXAMINATION. 1 

Have I had Faith, believing firmly in God, 
the Holy, Blessed, and Glorious Trinity ; 
in the Father, Who hath made me and 

1 This form is according to our Duty towards God and 
our Duty towards our neighbour, and also questions by 
the Three Theological Virtues and the Seven Deadly 
Sins. If too long, one's own questions may be used, or 
the shorter form given later on. 



SELF EXAMINATION 



89 



all the world ; in the Son, Who hath re- 
deemed me and all mankind ; in the 
Holy Ghost, Who sanctifieth me and all 
the people of God ? Have I believed in 
the Incarnate Life of Jesus Christ ; in 
the Work of the Holy Ghost ; in the 
Church, in the Scriptures, in the Creed as 
teaching " all things necessary to Salva- 
tion " ; in the Sacraments as the chief 
means of Grace ? Have I given assent to 
all that the Church teaches ? Have I 
been careful never to believe, or to follow 
"false doctrine, heresy, or schism"? 
Have I relied on God's Grace, trusting 
in His Power and not in myself ? 

Have I had Hope, putting my whole trust in 
God ; relying on His Promise of salva- 
tion ; using His Grace ; not presuming on 
His Mercy or despairing of His Forgive- 
ness ; being resigned to His Will in all 
things ? 

Have I had Charity or Love towards God, 
by having a holy fear of sinning against 
His Love ; by worshipping Him in spirit 
and in truth ; by going to Him as the 
Church directs, in public and private 
prayer ; by offering praise and thanks- 
giving ; by attending service and receiv- 
ing the Holy Communion ; by diligently 
calling upon Him; by honouring His Holy 
Name and Word ; by reverencing His 
Church, His Ministers and all holy things 
and places ? Have I loved God with all 
my heart, above all else ; with all my mind 
by reading and meditating on the Bible 



90 PREPARATION FOR HOI.Y COMMUNION 



and learning of God and His Word ; with 
all my soul, by cultivating the spiritual 
life and living close to Jesus ; with all 
my strength, by serving Him truly all the 
days of my life, using my talents, oppor- 
tunities and privileges for His Great 
Glory and fitting myself for the world to 
come ? 

Have I had Charity towards man, by loving 
my neighbour as myself and doing unto all 
men as I would that they should do unto 
me? Have I loved, honoured, and suc- 
coured my father and mother, and tried to 
do my duty in the family and social rela- 
tions ? Have I been kind, loving, gentle, 
forbearing, and forgiving ? Have I 
honoured and obeyed the civil authority, 
by keeping the laws of the land? Have 
I submitted myself to all my governors 
(those who direct me), to my teachers 
(those who instruct me), to my spiritual 
pastors (those in the Sacred Ministry) and 
to my masters (those above me socially, 
intellectually or spiritually) ? Have I or- 
dered myself lowly and reverently to all 
my betters, remembering that no matter 
how high our position we all have our 
betters in some way ? Have I tried to 
resist all temptation to Pride, by being 
like our Lord, meek, lowly, and humble 
of heart ? Have I hurt nobody by word 
or deed, but been true and just in all my 
dealings ? Have I borne no malice or 
hatred in my heart, resisting the tempta- 
tion to Anger, by being forbearing and 
forgiving ? Have I kept my hands from 



SEI*F EXAMINATION 



91 



picking and stealing, not desiring other 
men's goods but refraining from Covet- 
OUSNESS ; Have I kept my tongue from 
evil speaking, lying, and slandering, not 
giving way to Envy ? Have I kept my 
body in temperance, soberness, and chas- 
tity, not falling into the sins of Drunken- 
ness, Gluttony or Impurity ? Have I 
learned and laboured truly to get my own 
living, if necessary, resisting all kind of 
Sloth ? Have I tried to do my duty in 
that state of life unto which it hath 
pleased God to call me, being humble in 
prosperity, resigned in adversity, culti- 
vating the spirit of contentment, doing 
my very best to live at peace with all men 
and working for God's Glory ? 

Have I tried to discipline myself, to be careful 
in my Preparation for and Thanksgiving 
after Holy Communion, trying to do 
"whatsoever things are true, whatsoever 
things are honest, whatsoever things are 
just, whatsoever things are pure, whatso- 
ever things are lovely, whatsoever things 
are of good report " 1 remembering that 
God has said ' 4 Be thou faithful unto death 
and I will give thee a Crown of Life." 2 

{Here it is well to ask a few very pertinent questions 
of one's own^ especially regarding besetting sins^ seeing 
if there has been any advance in the spiritual life or 
discipline of self. Then say most humbly and peni- 
tently the following ;) 



1 Philippians iv. 8. 



a Revelation ii. 10. 



92 PREPARATION FOR HOI,Y COMMUNION 



CONFESSION OF SIN 1 

O ALMIGHTY and Most Merciful Father, 
I ackowledge and bewail my manifold 
sins and wickedness, which I from time 
to time most grievously have committed, 
by thought, word, and deed, against Thy 
Divine Majesty, provoking most justly Thy 
wrath and indignation against me. I con- 
fess unto Thee that I have sinned exceed- 
ingly, by omission and commission, through 
my fault, my own fault, my own most grievous 

fault and especially ( here name your special 

sins). O ! My God, have mercy upon me a 
sinner. Cast me not away in Thy displeasure 
but of Thy loving kindness save me and deliver 
me. Forgive me, I beseech Thee, all my of- 
fences and see me not as I am in myself but as 
I appear in the Lord Jesus. Absolve me I 
pray, from these and all other sins which I can- 
not now remember; confirm and strengthen me 
in all goodness and grant me Thy Grace and 
Heavenly Benediction. Make me a contrite 
heart, O Lord, and let me be well pleasing in 
Thy Sight. All of which I ask through the 
Merits and Mediation of Thy Dearly Beloved 
Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 

{Or else the following Confession, considerably adapted 
from the " Imitation of CHRIST.") 

ALMIGHTY and Most Merciful Father, 
Who art ever ready to receive those who 
turn to Thee in penitence, look with com- 
passion upon me, who would humbly and sorrow- 

1 See part on Confession. This form is for those who 
do not use Confession to a Priest. If that is desired, sec 
Part III. 



CONFESSION OF SIN 



93 



fully confess my sins unto Thee. I am unwor- 
thy to be called Thy Child, for I have sinned 
repeatedly against Thee, by thought, word and 
deed, by omission and commission, by my fault, 
my own fault, my own most grievous fault. I 
confess unto Thee that I am yet so carnal and 
worldly ; so full of wrong desires ; so prone to 
evil passions ; so given to vain fancies ; so much 
inclined to worldly affairs, so much opposed to 
spiritual works ; so ready for foolish mirth, so 
averse to godly sorrow ; so disposed to bodily 
comfort, so neglectful of self-discipline ; so anx- 
ious for abundance, so dissatisfied with little ; 
so admiring of the great, so cold to the humble ; 
so thoughtless in speaking, so given to gos- 
sip ; so averse to silence, so deaf to the Word of 
God ; so careless in my habits, so neglectful of 
my duties ; so quick to rest, so slow to labour ; 
so wandering in prayer, so cold in devotion ; so 
listless in preparation, so dry in communion ; so 
quickly distracted, so seldom recollected ; 
so easily moved to anger, so apt to take offence ; 
so ready to judge, so slow to forgive ; so harsh 
in rebuking, so hard in advising ; so glad in 
prosperity, so weak in adversity ; so full of 
wrong pride, so lacking in humility ; so inclined 
to slothful indulgence, so guided by selfishness ; 
so wanting in kindness towards man, so lacking 
in love towards Thee. All these and many 
other sins [here mention any special fault) which 
I remember, as well as those known only to Thee, 
I sorrowfully bewail and confess. O Most Merci- 
ful Father grant me, I beseech Thee, that godly 
sorrow that worketh salvation, so that truly re- 
penting of my sins, earnestly resolved to lead a 
new life and in love and charity with all men, 
I may be cleansed from all my offences, may 



94 PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION 



obtain Thy pardon and forgiveness, and may re- 
ceive to my comfort and salvation the Blessed 
Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus 
Christ. All of which I humbly ask through 
Him, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost art 
One God, world without end. Amen. 

{Then say one or all of the following.) 
SHORT ACTS OF CONTRITION 

HAVE mercy upon me, O God, after Thy 
great goodness : according to the multi- 
tude of Thy mercies do away mine 
offences. Wash me throughly from my wick- 
edness and cleanse me from my sin, for I ac- 
knowledge my faults and my sin is ever before 
me. 

MY Soul cleaveth to the dust : O quicken 
Thou me according to Thy Word. I 
have acknowledged my ways, and Thou 
heardest me : O teach me Thy Statutes. 

I WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hills : from 
whence cometh my help. My help cometh 
even from the Lord : Who hath made heaven 
and earth. 

OMY God, I believe in Thee, I hope in 
Thee, I love Thee, and I grieve that I 
have so often offended Thee by my sins. 

{Or this, adapted from S. Augustine.} 

FATHER I have sinned against Heaven and 
before Thee and am no more worthy to be 
called Thy son. I have ministered to my 
own desires and lusts, despising Thy Fatherly 



ACT OF FAITH 



95 



Love. I have dug for myself cisterns which hold 
no water, cisterns of earthly joys and vanities, 
leaving Thee the Fountain of many waters. I 
have sought pleasure in creatures which is only 
to be found in Thee ; and now behold all is 
vanity and vexation of spirit, for Thou hast 
made me for Thyself, and my heart findeth no 
true rest apart from Thee. Therefore I return 
to Thee, O Loving F'ather, Whose Mercy is 
Infinite, Whose Goodness knoweth no end. 
Wherefore I cry, Father I have sinned against 
Heaven and before Thee and am no more wor- 
thy to be called Thy Son, make me as one of 
Thine hired servants. O grant that henceforth I 
may walk in the straight path and narrow way 
that leadeth to Eternal Life, where with the Son 
and the Holy Spirit, Thou art unclouded Light 
and perfect Joy through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

( Then say the following^) 

ACT OF FAITH 

OLORD JESUS, I believe that Thou art 
the Christ, the Son of the Living God, 
the Only Begotten of the Father. I be- 
lieve that Thou art Perfect God and Perfect Man, 
our great High Priest, Who by Thy Death and 
Passion didst make a full, perfect, and sufficient 
sacrifice, oblation and satisfaction for the sins of 
the whole world. O Lord, I believe that Thou 
art Present in this Blessed Sacrament, so that 
we may plead this Holy Sacrifice before the 
Father and obtain remission of our sins and all 
other benefits of Thy Death and Passion. I 
know that there cannot be a greater joy than to 



96 PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION 

receive Thee worthily. Lord, I believe, help 
Thou mine unbelief. 

ACT OF LOVE 

OMOST Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ, 
Who didst humble Thyself to be born of 
a Virgin ; Who didst live a life of sorrow 
and suffering, and didst endure the Agony 
and Shame of the Passion that Thou mightst 
offer Thyself upon the Cross for our sins and 
for our salvation ; O Lord, greater love hath 
no man than this, that he die for another. Yet 
Thou dost give Thyself to us in this Holy 
Sacrament to make us partakers of Thy ever- 
lasting life. O Lord, for this and all Thy 
mercies, I offer unto Thee my heartfelt love 
and adoration, and beseech Thee that I may so 
receive these Holy Mysteries that my whole life 
may be given up to the one purpose of serving 
Thee. O Saviour of the world, draw us closer 
unto Thee, that henceforth we may live to Thy 
Honour and Glory, and may love Thee, adore 
Thee and worship Thee ever more and more. 

ACT OF HUMILITY 

OLORD, Who am I that I should dare to 
draw nigh unto Thee and receive Thee, 
the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ! 
I am not worthy to gather up the crumbs under 
Thy table. Yet Thou, O Lord, earnest not to call 
the righteous but sinners to repentance, and dost 
bid all approach unto Thee who are weary and 
heavy-laden with their sins. Therefore, O My 
Saviour, with the publican I cry, " God, be mer- 
ciful to me a sinner." I am bowed down with 



AIM OXNH 35111 AVOHHOS 

anv aa 3^3hx aas qnv 'cnoHaa 



RESOLUTION OF AMENDMENT 97 



the burden of wrong-doing. O Lord, I come 
unto Thee. Do Thou in Thy mercy come unto 
me that I may find pardon for my sin and rest 
for my soul. 

ACT OF REPARATION 

O SAVIOUR of the world, Who didst deign 
to be led as a sheep to the slaughter and to 
be nailed to the Cross, for us men and for 
our salvation ; Who didst pray for Thy murderers, 
even as now Thou dost intercede for those who 
deny Thee in their life or crucify Thee in their 
heart by neglecting these Holy Mysteries or re- 
ceiving Thee without true faith, love and repent- 
ance, I bewail these and all other sins against 
Thy Divine Majesty, and beseech Thee to have 
mercy upon us. O grant that we and all others 
who shall approach Thy Holy Altar may offer 
ourselves a holy sacrifice unto Thee, and receive 
to our soul's comfort, and to Thy Honour and 
Glory, this Blessed Sacrament of Thy Body and 
Blood. 

resolution of amendment 

OMY God, I desire to amend my life and to 
live henceforth as is well pleasing unto 
Thee. Do Thou, in Thy mercy, grant 
me Thy Grace that I may overcome all tempta- 
tions and persevering unto the end, may, through 
Thy Merits and Mediation obtain Everlasting 
Life. 

{Here may be said Psalm Ixxxiv., or some of the Peni- 
tential Devotions in Part 1 11^ or one may turn directly 
to the Devotions which follow?) 



DEVOTIONS 

FOR 

HOLY COMMUNION 



Mainly from Ancient Sources 



( To be said the evening before) 

Antiphon : O how plenteous is Thy Goodness, 
O Lord. 

Psalm lxxxiv. Quam dilecta ! 

OHOW amiable are Thy dwellings : Thou 
Lord of hosts ! 

2 My soul hath a desire and longing to enter 
into the courts of the Lord : my heart and my 
flesh rejoice in the living God. 

3 Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, 
and the swallow a nest, where she may lay her 
young : even Thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my 
King and my God. 

4 Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house ■ 
they will be always praising Thee. 

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in 
Thee : in whose heart are Thy ways. 

6 Who going through the vale of misery use 

9 s 



DEVOTIONS FOR HOLY COMMUNION 99 



it for a well : and the pools are filled with 
water. 

7 They will go from strength to strength : 
and unto the God of gods appeareth every one 
of them in Sion. 

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer : 
hearken, O God of Jacob. 

9 Behold, O God our defender : and look 
upon the face of Thine Anointed. 

10 For one day in Thy courts : is better than 
a thousand. 

ill had rather be a door-keeper in the house 
of my God : than to dwell in the tents of 
ungodliness. 

12 For the Lord God is a light and defence : 
the Lord will give grace and worship, and no 
good thing shall He withhold from them that 
live a godly life. 

13 O Lord God of hosts : blessed is the man 
that putteth his trust in Thee. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Psalm lxxxv. Benedixisti, Domine. 

LORD, Thou art become gracious unto Thy 
land : Thou hast turned away the captiv- 
ity of Jacob. 

2 Thou hast forgiven the offence of Thy 
people : and covered all their sins. 

3 Thou hast taken away all Thy displeasure : 
and turned Thyself from Thy wrathful indig- 
nation. 

4 Turn us then, O God our Saviour : and let 
Thine anger cease from us. 

5 Wilt Thou be displeased at us for ever : 
and wilt Thou stretch out Thy wrath from one 
generation to another ? 

LofC. 



IOO DEVOTIONS FOR HOLY COMMUNION 

6 Wilt Thou not turn again and quicken us : 
that Thy people may rejoice in Thee ? 

7 Show us Thy mercy, O Lord : and grant us 
Thy salvation. 

8 I will hearken what the Lord God will 
say concerning me : for He shall speak peace 
unto His people, and to His saints, that they 
turn not again. 

9 For His salvation is nigh them that fear 
Him : that glory may dwell in our land. 

10 Mercy and truth are met together : right- 
eousness and peace have kissed each other. 

11 Truth shall flourish out of the earth : and 
righteousness hath looked down from heaven. 

12 Yea, the Lord shall show loving-kindness : 
and our land shall give her increase. 

13 Righteousness shall go before Him : and 
He shall direct his going in the way. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Psalm lxxxvi. Inclina, Domine. 

BOW down Thine ear, O Lord, and hear 
me : for I am poor, and in misery. 

2 Preserve Thou my soul, for I am holy : 
my God, save Thy servant that putteth his trust 
in Thee. 

3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord : for I will 
call daily upon Thee. 

4 Comfort the soul of Thy servant : for unto 
Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 

5 For Thou, Lord, art good and gracious: and 
of great mercy unto all them that call upon Thee. 

6 Give ear, Lord, unto my prayer : and 
ponder the voice of my humble desires. 

7 In the time of my trouble I will call upon 
Thee : for Thou hearest me. 



DEVOTIONS FOR HOI<Y COMMUNION IOI 



8 Among the gods there is none like unto 
Thee, O Lord : there is not one that can do as 
Thou doest. 

9 All nations whom Thou hast made shall 
come and worship Thee, O Lord : and shall 
glorify Thy Name. 

10 For Thou art great, and doest wondrous 
things : Thou art God alone. 

11 Teach me Thy way, O Lord, and I will 
walk in Thy truth : O knit my heart unto Thee, 
that I may fear Thy Name. 

12 I will thank Thee, O Lord my God, with 
all my heart : and will praise Thy Name for 
evermore. 

13 For great is Thy mercy toward me : and 
Thou hast delivered my soul from the nether- 
most hell. 

14 O God, the proud are risen against me : 
and the congregations of naughty men have 
sought after my soul, and have not set Thee 
before their eyes. 

15 But Thou, O Lord God, art full of com- 
passion and mercy : long-suffering, plenteous in 
goodness and truth. 

16 O turn Thee then unto me, and have 
mercy upon me : give Thy strength unto Thy 
servant, and help the son of Thine handmaid. 

17 Show some token upon me for good ; that 
they who hate me may see it, and be ashamed : 
because Thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and com- 
forted me. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

{1/ desired there may be used in place 0/ the above^ 
Psalms li., cxxx., cxliii., or xv., xxii., xxiii., or xxvi., 
xxvii., xxv Hi.) 

Antiphon : O how plenteous is Thy Good- 



102 DEVOTIONS FOR HOLY COMMUNION 

ness, O Lord, which Thou hast prepared for 
those that put their trust in Thee. 




ORD, have mercy upon us. 
Christ, have mercy upon us. 



Lord, have mercy upon us. 

OUR Father, Who art in heaven, Hal- 
lowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom 
come. Thy will be done on earth, As it 
is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive 
those that trespass against us and lead us not 
into temptation ; but deliver us from evil. 
Amen. 

I said, Lord, have mercy upon me, Heal my 
soul, for I have sinned against Thee. 

Turn Thee again, O Lord, at the last. And 
be gracious unto Thy servants. 

O Lord, let Thy mercy be shewed upon us. 
As we do put our trust in Thee. 

Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness. 
And Thy saints sing with joy fulness. 

Lord, cleanse Thou me from my secret faults. 
Keep Thy servant also from presu7?iptuous sins. 

O Lord, hear my prayer. And let my cry 
come unto Thee. 

The Lord be with you. And with Thy spirit. 

Let us pray. 

MOST gracious God, incline Thy merciful 
ears to our prayers, and enlighten our 
hearts by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, 
that we may worthily approach Thy Holy Mys- 
teries, and love Thee with an everlasting love. 



DEVOTIONS FOR HOIyY COMMUNION 103 



OLORD, we beseech Thee, may the Com- 
forter, Who proceedeth from Thee, illu- 
minate our minds, and lead us, as Thy 
Son hath promised, into all truth. 

OLORD, we beseech Thee, may the power 
of the Holy Spirit be with us, and both 
mercifully cleanse our hearts and defend 
us from all adversities. 

CLEANSE our consciences, we beseech 
Thee, O Lord by Thy visitation, that 
Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, when 
He cometh, may find in us a mansion prepared 
for Himself ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the Unity 
of the same Spirit, ever One God, world without 
end. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, behold I 
approach the Sacrament of Thy Only 
Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. As one 
sick I come to the Physician of life : as unclean 
to the Fountain of mercy : as blind to the Light 
of eternal splendour : as needy to the Lord of 
Heaven and earth : as naked to the King of 
Glory : a lost sheep to the Good Shepherd : a 
fallen creature to its Creator : desolate to the 
kind Comforter : miserable to the Pitier : guilty 
to the Bestower of pardon : sinful to the Justifier : 
hardened to the Giver of Grace. I implore 
therefore the abundance of Thy Infinite Bounty 
that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to heal my sick- 
ness, to wash my foulness, to enlighten my 
darkness, to enrich my poverty, and to clothe 
my nakedness ; that I may receive the Bread of 
Angels, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, 



104 DEVOTIONS FOR HOLY COMMUNION 

with such reverence and humility, with such 
love and contrition, with such faith and devo- 
tion as is good for the welfare of my soul. 
Grant me, I pray, not only to receive the Sacra- 
ment of the Lord's Body and Blood, but also 
the virtue of the Sacrament. O Most Merciful 
God, grant me so to receive the Body and Blood 
of Thy Son Jesus Christ, that I may be incor- 
porated in His Mystical Body and washed from 
every stain of sin. And O Most Loving Father, 
grant me that Him, Whom I now purpose to 
receive beneath a veil, I may hereafter behold 
with unveiled face, even Thy Beloved Son, 
Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth 
and reigneth ever One God, for ever and ever. 
Amen. 1 




TASTE and see how gracious the Lord is. 
Alleluia ! Alleluia ! Alleluia 1 2 



I WILL bless the Lord at all times. His 
praise shall be ever in my mouth. 
Alleluia ! Alleluia ! Alleluia ! 8 

THE Lord will redeem the souls of His ser- 
vants and will forsake none of those that 
trust in Him. 

Alleluia ! Alleluia ! Alleluia ! 2 

GLORY and Honour be to the Father and 
to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, for- 
ever and ever. Amen* 



1 Adapted from S. Thomas Aquinas. 

2 From the Mozarabic Liturgy. 



DEVOTIONS FOR HOI.Y COMMUNION 1 05 



I WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hills : from 
whence cometh my help. 

I WAS glad when they said unto me : we will 
go into the house of the Lord. 

LIKE as the hart desire th the water brooks : 
so longeth my soul after Thee, O God. 

{One should be recollected and very careful until the 
morning of Communion, thinking frequently of the 
Precious Gift to be received, of CHRIST coming to the 
Soul.) 



THE ORDER FOR THE 
ADMINISTRATION OF THE 
LORD'S SUPPER 

OR 

HOLY COMMUNION. 



{The Use here set forth is that of the American 
Church. To save space the Rubrics, Exhortations and 
Sentences are generally omitted, as not being necessary. 
Since the iittention of this Church is that the Service be 
read audibly " in a tongue tmdersta7ided of the people^ 
all should carefully follow it throughout, making the 
devotions their own and 07ily adding private prayers at 
pauses made by the Priest, as during the Offertory , the 
Communion and at the close of the Office. The Prayers 
of the Communion Office are leaded to distinguish them 
from the Private Devotions here included. 

It is well to be in Church some little time before the 
Service begins in order to say carefully one^s own 
Prayers and also the following:) 

I. 

BEFORE THE SERVICE. 

IN the Name of the Father and of the Son 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 
Antiphon. I will go unto the Altar of God. 
106 



BEFORE THE SERVICE 107 



Psalm xliii. yudica me, Deus. 

GIVE sentence with me, O God, and defend 
my cause against the ungodly people ; O 
deliver me from the deceitful and wicked 

man. 

For Thou art the God of my strength, why hast 
Thou put me from Thee ? and why go I so heavily, 
while the enemy oppresseth me ? 

O send out Thy light and Thy truth, that 
they may lead me, and bring me unto Thy holy 
hill, and to Thy dwelling ; 

And that I may go unto the Altar of God, 
even unto the God of my joy and gladness, and 
upon the harp will I give thanks unto Thee, O 
God, my God. 

Why art thou so heavy, O my soul ? and why 
art thou so disquieted within me ? 

O put thy trust in God, for I will yet give Him 
thanks, which is the help of my countenance, and 
my God. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Antiphon. I will go unto the Altar of God, 
even unto the God of my joy and gladness. 

TAKE away from us all our iniquities, we be- 
seech Thee, O Lord : that with pure 
hearts we may go unto the Holy of Holies : 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 1 

MAKE me a clean heart, O Lord, and renew 
a right spirit within me. O grant me 
worthily to receive these Holy Mysteries 
and to love Thee with an everlasting love. 



1 Adapted from Old Sarum Use. 



Io8 TH£ ORDER OF HOI,Y COMMUNION 



PRAYER OF INTENTION. 

OMOST Merciful Father, we humbly ap- 
proach Thine Altar to offer and re-present 
unto Thee the One, Pure and Holy Sacri- 
fice which our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 
made once upon the Cross and now ever pleads 
for us in Heaven, and which He hath commanded 
us to show forth here on earth. Grant, we be- 
seech Thee, that this Offering may be acceptable 
at our hands and may avail for us and for whom 
it is presented, and see us not as we are in our- 
selves but as we appear in the Lord Jesus. We 
present it unto Thee, first for Thine Honour and 
Glory, as the one acceptable Sacrifice which we 
can offer unto Thee. We also offer it in thanks- 
giving for all Thy blessings to us and to all men 
{especially ...),* for the forgiveness of all our 
sins {especially . . . ) 1 , for the attainment of all 
virtues {especially . . . ) *, for our Church and 
Parish (especially . . . ), for the Clergy {especially 
. . . ), for those near and dear to us (especially 
. . . ) and for all Thy people. We beseech Thee 
to accept this our Sacrifice of Praise and Thanks- 
giving, this the Memorial of the Death and Pas- 
sion of Thy Dear Son, granting us and those for 
whom we pray these and all other blessings which 
Thou seest us to need. All of which we ask 
through the Merits and Mediation of Jesus 
Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen. 

{Here may be added the Veni Creator page 85, or 
Devotions beginning on page 141 if desired. 

1 Here name some special need of God's mercy or 
some special petition. 



the; order of holy communion 109 
II. 

THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION. 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 1 

OUR Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed 
be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy 
will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give 
us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our 
trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass 
against us. And lead us not into temptation J 
But deliver us from evil. Amen. 

COLLECT FOR PURITY. 

ALMIGHTY God, unto Whom all hearts are 
open, all desires known, and from Whom 
no secrets are hid ; Cleanse the thoughts of our 
hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit 
that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily 
magnify Thy holy Name ; through Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 

GOD spake these words, and said : I am the 
Lord thy God ; Thou shalt have none 
other gods but Me. 

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and in. 
cline our hearts to keep this law. 

Minister. Thou shalt not make to thyself any 

1 Here said by Priest only, according to the Rubric. 



IIO THE ORDER OF HOI.Y COMMUNION 

graven image, nor the likeness of anything that 
is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in 
the water under the earth ; thou shalt not bow 
down to them, nor worship them ; for I the 
Lord Thy God am a jealous God, and visit the 
sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the 
third and fourth generation of them that hate 
Me ; and show mercy unto thousands in them 
that love Me and keep My commandments. 

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and in- 
cline our hearts to keep this law. 

Minister. Thou shalt not take the Name of 
the Lord thy God in vain ; for the Lord will 
not hold him guiltless, that taketh His Name in 
vain. 

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and in- 
cline our hearts to keep this law. 

Minister. Remember that thou keep holy the 
Sabbath-day. Six days shalt thou labour, and 
do all that thou hast to do ; but the seventh day 
is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou 
shalt do no manner of work ; thou, and thy son, 
and thy daughter, thy man-servant, and thy 
maid-servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that 
is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord 
made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that 
in them is, and rested the seventh day : where- 
fore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and 
hallowed it. 



THE ORDER OF HOI,Y COMMUNION III 



People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline 
our hearts to keep this law. 

Minister. Honour thy father and thy mother ; 
that thy days may be long in the land which 
the Lord thy God giveth thee. 

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and in- 
cline our hearts to keep this law. 

Minister. Thou shalt do no murder. 

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and 
incline our hearts to keep this law. 

Minister. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and 
incline our hearts to keep this law. 

Minister. Thou shalt not steal. 

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and in- 
cline our hearts to keep this law. 

Minister. Thou shalt not bear false witness 
against thy neighbour. 

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline 
our hearts to keep this law. 

Minister. Thou shalt not covet thy neigh- 
bour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's 
wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, 
nor his ass, nor anything that is his. 

People. Lord, have mercy upon us, and write 
all these Thy laws in our hearts, we beseech 
Thee. 

{Hear may be said) 

Not my will, but Thine be done, O Lord. 



112 THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 



SHORT SUMMARY OF THE LAW. 
If Then the Minister may say, 

Hear also what our Lord Jesus Christ saith. 

THOU shalt love the Lord thy God with all 
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with 
all thy mind. This is the first and great 
commandment. And the second is like unto 
it ; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 
On these two commandments hang all the Law 
and the Prophets. 

\ Here, if the Decalogue hath been omitted, shall be 
said, 

LORD, have mercy upon us. 
Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 

\ Then the Minister may say, 
Let us pray. 

O ALMIGHTY Lord, and everlasting God, 
vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to direct, 
sanctify, and govern, both our hearts and 
bodies, in the ways of Thy laws, and in the 
works of Thy commandments ; that, through 
Thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, 
we may be preserved in body and soul ; through 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 



THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION II3 



COLLECT FOR THE DAY. 
THE EPISTLE. 
THE HOLY GOSPEL. 
( Before the Gospel say) : 

44 Glory be to Thee, O Lord." 

(A fter the Gospel say) : 

44 Thanks be to Thee, O Christ." 

THE NICENE CREED. 

1 BELIEVE in one God the Father Almighty, 
Maker of heaven and earth, And of all 
things visible and invisible : 

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-be- 
gotten Son of God; Begotten of His Father be- 
fore all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, 
Very God of Very God ; Begotten, not made ; 
Being of one substance with the Father ; By 
Whom all things were made : Who for us men 
and for our salvation came down from heaven, 
And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the 
Virgin Mary, And was made Man : And was 
crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, He 
suffered and was buried : And the third day he 
rose again according to the Scriptures : And 
ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right 
hand of the Father : And he shall come again, 
with glory, to judge both the quick and the 
dead ; Whose kingdom shall have no end. 
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord, 



114 THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 

and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the 
Father and the Son ; Who with the Father and 
the Son together is worshipped and glorified ; 
Who spake by the Prophets : And I believe one 
Catholic and Apostolic Church : I acknowledge 
one Baptism for the remission of sins : And I 
look for the Resurrection of the dead : And the 
Life of the world to come. Amen. 

OFFERTORY SENTENCES. 
PRESENTATION OF ALMS AND OBLATIONS. 
{At Presentation of Alms may be said) : 

ALL things come of Thee O Lord, and 
of Thine Own have we given Thee. 
May we ever use Thy Gifts to Thine 
Honour and Glory. 

(At Presentation of Oblations may be said) : 

ACCEPT, O Lord, these Thy Gifts of 
Bread and Wine, which we now offer 
unto Thee and grant that through Thy 
Word and Holy Spirit they may become the 
Body and Blood of our Saviour, Jesus 
Christ. 

prayer for the church. 1 
Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's 
Church militant. 

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who by 
Thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make 

1 To leave here as is the custom of some, is most un- 
seemly and irreverent. It dishonours Christ, dis- 
turbs the worshippers and pronounces those who leave 
unfit to remain with Christian people. 



THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 115 



prayers, and supplications, and to give thanks 
for all men ; We humbly beseech 



we offer unto Thy Divine Maj- accept our alms 
esty ; beseeching Thee to inspire and oblations, 
continually the Universal Church and J be le f* un ' 
with the spirit of truth, unity, sa * 
and concord : And grant that all those who do 
confess Thy holy Name may agree in the truth of 
Thy holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. 
We beseech Thee also, so to direct and dis- 
pose the hearts of all Christian Rulers, that they 
may truly and impartially administer justice, to 
the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to 
the maintenance of Thy true religion, and virtue. 
Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops 
and other Ministers, that they may, both by their 
life and doctrine, set forth Thy true and lively 
Word, and rightly and duly administer Thy holy 
Sacraments. And to all Thy People give Thy 
heavenly grace ; and especially to this congrega- 
tion here present ; that, with meek heart and 
due reverence, they may hear, and receive Thy 
holy Word ; truly serving Thee in holiness and 
righteousness all the days of their life. And we 
most humbly beseech Thee, of Thy goodness, O 
Lord, to comfort and succour all those who, in 



Thee most mercifully [* to accept 
our alms and oblations, and] to 
receive these our prayers, which 



no alms or obla- 
tions, then shall 
the words [to 



* If there be 



Il6 THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 



this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, 
sickness, or any other adversity. And we also 
bless Thy holy Name for all Thy servants de- 
parted this life in Thy faith and fear ; beseech- 
ing Thee to give us grace so to follow their good 
examples, that with them we may be partakers 
of Thy heavenly kingdom. Grant this, O 
Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only 
Mediator and Advocate. Amen. 



E who do truly and earnestly repent you of 



1 your sins, and are in love and charity with 
your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, 
following the commandments of God, and 
walking from henceforth in His holy ways ; 
Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacra- 
ment to your comfort ; and make your humble 
confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling. 



ALMIGHTY God, Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge 
of all men ; We acknowledge and bewail our 
manifold sins and wickedness, Which we, from 
time to time, most grievously have committed, 
By thought, word, and deed, Against Thy Divine 
Majesty, Provoking most justly Thy wrath and 
indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, 



SHORT EXHORTATION. 




THE GENERAL CONFESSION. 



THK ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 117 

And are heartily sorry for these our misdoings ; 
The remembrance of them is grievous unto us ; 
The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy 
upon us, Have mercy upon us, most merciful 
Father ; For Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's 
sake, Forgive us all that is past ; And grant that 
we may ever hereafter Serve and please Thee 
In newness of life, To the honour and glory of 
Thy Name ; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



f\ Who of His great mercy hath promised 
forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty 
repentance and true faith turn unto Him ; Have 
mercy upon you ; pardon and deliver you from 
all your sins ; confirm and strengthen you in 
all goodness ; and bring you to everlasting life ; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



Hear what comfortable words our Saviour 
Christ saith unto all who truly turn to Him. 



OME unto Me, all ye that travail and are 



V-^ heavy laden, and I will refresh you. S. 
Matthew xi. 28. 

So God loved the world, that He gave His only- 
begotton Son, to the end that all that believe in 



THE ABSOLUTION. 




heavenly Father, 



THE COMFORTABLE WORDS. 




Il8 THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 



Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 
S. jfohn iii. 16. 

Hear also what Saint Paul saith. 

This is a true saying, and worthy of all men 
to be received, That Christ Jesus came into the 
world to save sinners. I Timothy i. 15. 

Hear also what Saint John saith. 

If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the 
Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous; and He is 
the Propitiation for our sins. 1 S. John ii. 1-2. 



THE SURSUM CORDA. 

Priest. Lift up your hearts. 
Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord. 
Priest. Let us give thanks unto our Lord 
God. 

Answer. It is meet and right so to do. 

THE PREFACE. 



IT is very meet, right, and our 
bounden duty, that we 
should at all times, and in all 
places, give thanks unto thee, O 
Lord, [*Holy Father,] Al- 
mighty, Everlasting GOD. 

{Here follows Special Preface, if any ; see later.) 

Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and 
with all the company of heaven, we laud and 



* These words 
[Holy Father] 
?nust be omitted 
on Trinity-Sun- 
day. 



THE ORDKR OF HOLY COMMUNION II9 



magnify Thy glorious Name ; evermore praising 
Thee, and saying, 

THE SANCTCJS. 

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord % Priest and 
God of hosts, Heaven and earth People. 
are full of Thy Glory ; Glory be to Thee, O Lord 
Most High. Amen. 

Upon Christmas-day, and seven days after. 

BECAUSE Thou didst give Jesus Christ, 
Thine only Son, to be born as at this time 
for us ; Who, by the operation of the Holy 
Ghost, was made very Man, of the substance of 
the Virgin Mary, His mother ; and that without 
spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. 
Therefore with Angels, etc. 

Upon Easter-day, and seven days after. 

BUT chiefly are we bound to praise Thee for 
the glorious Resurrection of Thy Son 
Jesus Christ our Lord; for He is the very Pas- 
chal Lamb, Which was offered for us, and hath 
taken away the sin of the world ; Who by His 
death hath destroyed death, and by His rising 
to life again hath restored to us everlasting life. 
Therefore with Angels, etc. 



I20 TH£ ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 



Upon Ascension-day, and seven days after. 

THROUGH Thy most dearly beloved Son 
Jesus Christ our Lord ; Who, after His 
most glorious Resurrection, manifestly appeared 
to all His Apostles, and in their sight ascended 
up into heaven, to prepare a place for us ; that 
where He is, thither we might also ascend, and 
reign with Him in glory. Therefore with Angels, 
etc. 

Upon Whitsunday, and six days after. 
T^HROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord ; accord- 



1 ing to Whose most true promise, the Holy 
Ghost came down as at this time from heaven, 
with a sudden great sound, as it had been a 
mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues, 
lighting upon the Apostles, to teach them, and to 
lead them to all truth ; giving them both the gift 
of divers languages, and also boldness with fer- 
vent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto 
all nations ; whereby we have been brought out 
of darkness and error into the clear light and 
true knowledge of Thee, and of Thy Son Jesus 
Christ. Therefore with Angels, etc. 

Upon the feast of Trinity only, may be said, 

WHO art one God, one Lord ; not one only 
Person, but three Persons in one Sub- 
stance. For that which we believe of the Glory 




THE ORDER OE HOLY COMMUNION 121 



of the Father, the same we believe of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference 
or inequality. Therefore with Angels, etc. 

% Or else this may be said, the words [Holy Father] 
being retained in the introductory A ddress, 

FOR the precious Death and Merits of Thy 
Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and for the 
sending to us of the Holy Ghost, the Com- 
forter ; Who are one with Thee in Thy Eternal 
Godhead. Therefore with Angels, etc. 

PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS. 

WE do not presume to come to this Thy 
Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our 
own righteousness, but in Thy manifold and great 
mercies. We are not worthy so much as to 
gather up the crumbs under Thy Table. But Thou 
art the same Lord, whose property is always to 
have mercy : Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, 
so to eat the Flesh of Thy dear Son Jesus 
Christ, and to drink His Blood, that our sin- 
ful bodies may be made clean by His Body, 
and our souls washed through His most precious 
Blood, and that we may evermore dwell in 
Him, and He in us. Amen. 

{Here may be said one or all of the following if time 
perjnits : ) 



122 THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 




LESSED is He that cometh in the Name 
of the Lord ; Hosanna in the Highest. 



LET all mortal flesh keep silence and stand 
with fear and reverence and drive away all 
earthly thought, for the King of Kings and 
Lord of Lords, Christ, our God cometh to be 
given for Food for the Faithful, before Whose 
Presence all Choirs of Angels, with all the 
Heavenly Host, veil their faces as they sing 
their praises to the Lord Most High. Alle- 
luia ! Alleluia ! Alleluia ! 1 

HAVE mercy upon us, O God, according to 
Thy great goodness, and send down Thy 
Most Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of 
Life, upon us and upon the Gifts now lying before 
Thee, that coming upon them with His Holy, 
Good and Glorious Presence, He may hallow 
and make this Bread and Wine the Precious 
Body and Blood of Jesu? -Christ, that they 
may be to those who receive them, for remission 
of sins and for the sanctification of souls and 
bodies unto Everlasting Life. Amen. 1 

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION. 

ALL glory be to Thee, Almighty God, our 
heavenly Father, for that Thou, of Thy 
tender mercy, didst give Thine only Son Jesus 
Christ to suffer Death upon the Cross for our re- 
demption ; Who made there (by His one Oblation 
of Himself once offered) a full, perfect, and suf- 
ficient -acrifice, Oblation, and Satisfaction, for 

1 Adapted from the Liturgy of S. James. 



" I DIED ON THE CROSS FOR THEE 
WHAT HAST THOU DONE FOR ME? 



THE ORDER OF HOI.Y COMMUNION 1 23 



the sins of the whole world ; and did institute, 
and in His Holy Gospel command us to continue, 
a perpetual memory of that His 
precious Death and Sacrifice, un- 
til his coming again ; For in the 
night in which He was Betrayed, 
(a) He took Bread ; and when He 
had given thanks, (b) He brake 
it, and gave it to His disciples, 
saying, Take, eat, (c) this is My 
Body, which is given for you ; 
Do this in remembrance of Me. 
Likewise, after supper, (d) He 
took the Cup ; and when He had 
given thanks, He gave it to them, 
saying, Drink ye all of this ; for 
(e) this is My Blood of the New 
Testament, which is shed for 
you, and for many, for the re- 
mission of sins ; Do this, as oft 
as ye shall drink it, in remem- 
brance of Me. 



(a) Here the 
Priest is to take 
the Paten into 
his hands. 

(b) And here 
to break the 
Bread. 

(c) A nd here 
to lay his hand 
upon all the 
Bread. 

(d) Here he 
is to take the 
Cup into his 
hands. 

(e) And here 
he is to lay 
his hand upon 
every vessel in 
which there is 
any Wine to be 
Consecrated. 



W 



HEREFORE, O Lord m '„ . 

The Oblation. 

and heavenly Father, 
according to the institution of Thy dearly be- 
loved Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, we, Thy 
humble servants, do celebrate and make here be- 
fore Thy Divine Majesty, with these Thy Holy 



124 ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 

Gifts, which we now offer unto Thee, the Memor- 
ial Thy Son hath commanded us to make ; hav- 
ing in remembrance His blessed Passion and 
precious Death, His mighty Resurrection and 
glorious Ascension ; rendering unto Thee most 
hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits pro- 
cured unto us by the same. 



Father to hear us ; and, of Thy almighty good- 
ness, vouchsafe to bless and sanctify, with Thy 
Word and Holy Spirit, these Thy gifts and 
creatures of bread and wine ; that we, receiving 
them according to Thy Son our Saviour Jesus 
Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of His 
Death and Passion, may be partakers of His 
most blessed Body and Blood. 

AND we earnestly desire Thy fatherly good- 
ness, mercifully to accept this our sacrifice 
of praise and thanksgiving ; most humbly beseech- 
ing Thee to grant that, by the Merits and Death 
of Thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith 
in His Blood, we, and all Thy whole Church, 
may obtain remission of our sins, and all other 
benefits of His Passion. And here we offer and 
present unto Thee,0 Lord, ourselves, our souls 
and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living 
sacrifice unto Thee ; humbly beseeching Thee, 
that we, and all others who shall be partakers of 




The Invocation. 



THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 1 25 



this Holy Communion, may worthily receive the 
most precious Body and Blood of Thy Son 
Jesus Christ, be rilled with Thy grace and 
heavenly benediction, and made one body with 
Him, that He may dwell in us, and we in Him. 
And although we are unworthy, through our 
manifold sins to offer unto Thee any sacrifice ; 
yet we beseech Thee to accept this our bounden 
duty and service ; not weighing our merits, but 
pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord ; by Whom, and with Whom, in the 
unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory 
be unto Thee, O Father Almighty, world 
without end. Amen. 

{Here may be said the hymn :) 




LAMB of God, that takest away the sins 
of the world : Have mercy upon us : 

LAMB of God, that takest away the sins 
of the world : Have mercy upon us : 

LAMB of God, that takest away the sins 
of the world : Grant us Thy peace. 



( This is a fitting time to offer up special prayers and 
to make acts of adoration to our Blessed LORD Present 
in the Sacrament. 

Before Communion may be mid the following or else 
some of the devotions beginning on page 141). 

MOST Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, we love Thee, we adore Thee 
and we worship Thee, Mystically Pres- 
ent, veiled beneath the forms of Bread and Wine. 



126 THE ORDER OF HOI,Y COMMUNION 



O Lord, Who givest life to the soul, come to these 
poor hearts of ours, and fill them with Thine heav- 
enly fire, that we may glow with the warmth of 
devotion, the ardour of love, the fervour of zeal. 
Direct and rule us evermore in thought and 
word and deed, and never suffer us to be separ- 
ated again from Thee, Who with the Father 
and the Holy Ghost art to be worshipped 
and glorified world without end. Amen. 

LORD, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst 
come under my roof, but speak the word 
only and my soul shall be healed. 

OLORD Jesus, I come to Thee, as Thou 
hast commanded. O fill me with Thy 
gracious Presence, that I may be cleansed 
from all my sins and granted the pledge of ever- 
lasting life. 

O SAVIOUR of the world, Who by Thy Cross 
and Precious Blood hast redeemed us, 
save us and help us, we humbly beseech 
Thee, O Lord. 

WORDS OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRA- 
MENT OF OUR LORD'S BODY. 

THE Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which 
was given for thee, preserve thy body and 
soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in 
remembrance that Christ diedforthee, and feed 
on Him in thy heartby faith, with thanksgiving. 

(-Here may be said on receiving the LORD'S BODY :) 



THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 1 27 



O BREAD of Life that comest down from 
Heaven and givest life to the world, bless 
me I beseech Thee, and be to me the way 
to Eternal Salvation. 

{Then may be said:) 

WHAT reward shall I give to the Lord for 
all the benefits that He hath given unto 
me. I will receive the Cup of Salvation 
and call upon the Name of the Lord. 

WORDS OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRA- 
MENT OF OUR LORD'S BLOOD. 

THE Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which 
was shed for thee, preserve thy body and 
soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remem- 
brance that Christ's Blood was shed for thee, 
and be thankful. 

{Here may be said on receiving our LORD'S BLOOD :) 

WASH me, my Saviour, in Thy Precious 
Blood and cleanse me from all un- 
righteousness. 

( Then may be said on returning to seat :) 

PRAISE the Lord, O my soul and all that 
is within me praise His Holy Name. 
Thanks be to God for His most wonderful 

Gift. 

{If time permits here may be said some of the Devo- 
tions beginning on page 33.) 



128 THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 



THE LORD'S PRAYER. 



UR Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed 



V^/ be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy 
will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give 
us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our 
trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass 
against us. And lead us not into temptation ; 
But deliver us from evil : For Thine is the king- 
dom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and 
ever. Amen. 



f\ heartily thank Thee, for that Thou dost 
vouchsafe to feed us who have duly received these 
holy Mysteries, with the spiritual food of the 
most precious Body and Blood of Thy Son our 
Saviour Jesus Christ; anddost assure us thereby 
of Thy favour and goodness towards us : and that 
we are very members incorporate in the mystical 
body of Thy Son, which is the blessed company 
of all faithful people ; and are also heirs through 
hope of Thy everlasting kingdom, by the Merits 
of the most precious Death and Passion of Thy 
dear Son. And we most humbly beseech Thee, 
O heavenly Father, so to assist us with Thy 
grace, that we may continue in that holy fellow- 
ship, and do all such good works as Thou hast 
prepared for us to walk in ; through Jesus 



THANKSGIVING. 




everliving God, we most 



THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 1 29 



Christ our Lord, to Whom, with Thee and the 
Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world 
without end. Amen. 

THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS. 

GLORY be to God on high, and on earth 
peace, good will towards men. We 
praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, 
we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee for 
Thy great Glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, 
God the Father Almighty. 

O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; 
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, 
that takest away the sins of the world, have 
mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins 
of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that 
takest away the sins of the world, receive our 
prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of 
God the Father, have mercy upon us. 

For Thou only art holy ; Thou only art the 
Lord ; Thou only, O Christ, with the Holy 
Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the 
Father. Ainen. 



THE Peace of God, which passeth all under- 
standing, keep your hearts and minds in 
the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son 
Jesus Christ our Lord : And the Blessing of 



THE BLESSING. 




I30 THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 



God Almighty -f« the Father, the Son, and the 
Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with 
you always. Amen. 

III. 

THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION. 

( If preferred, one may use the A ncient Form on Page 
I 35i or if one attends two Celebrations, he may use this 
after Communicating and the other when present for 
Worship. It is suggested that one^s own original devo- 
tions also be invariably used.) 

OMOST Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesu 
Christ, we love Thee, we adore Thee, 
we worship Thee and we thank Thee for 
these the Holy Mysteries of Thy Body and 
Blood. Grant us grace that we may go forth in 
Thy strength and live as befitteth those to whom 
Thou hast deigned to come. Let us ever re- 
member the Sacred Gifts which we have received 
and in joy or sorrow, adversity or prosperity, let 
us recollect Thine Abiding Presence. Let us never 
defile the temple wherein Thou dost abide. Keep 
us pure in thought and word and deed, and grant 
us so to follow Thee in this world, that in the 
world to come we may see Thee Face to Face 
and dwell with Thee in Thine Heavenly Kingdom 
unto the ages of ages. Amen. 

OLORD, Who under a wonderful Sacrament 
has left us a Memorial of Thy Passion ; 
Grant us, we beseech Thee, so to rever- 
ence the Sacred Mysteries of Thy Body and 
Blood that we may perpetually find in ourselves 
the fruit of Thy Redemption ; Who livest and 



THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION 131 



reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, 
One God, for ever and ever. Amen. 1 

PARDON, O Father, the imperfections of 
our prayers and praises, our wandering 
thoughts and lack of devotion. Look not 
upon us, but upon the Face of Thine Anointed 
and see us only as we are seen in Him. For His 
Sake, accept us, penitents at the Throne of Grace, 
and grant that what we have said with our lips, 
we may believe in our hearts and practice in 
our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen. 

IN the Peace of Christ let us depart. 
In the Peace of Christ let us sing. 2 

FROM Glory to Glory let us go forth, hymn- 
ing in our hearts to Thee, the Saviour of 
our souls. Glory be to the Father, and 
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. We praise 
Thee the Saviour of our Souls. 2 

FROM Strength to Strength advancing, we 
who have accomplished the Divine Minis- 
tration in Thy Temple, now pray unto 
Thee, O God. Vouchsafe to us Thy Mercy, 
guide our feet aright, root us firmly in Thy love 
and at last, count us worthy of Thine Heavenly 
Kingdom, through the Merits and Mediation 
of Thy Son, to Whom with Thee and the Holy 
Ghost be Glory, Honour and Power unto the 
Ages of Ages. 2 




ET us go forth in peace 
, In the Name of the Lord. Amen. 2 



1 Adapted from Old Sarum Rite. 

3 Slightly adapted from the Liturgy of S. James. 



132 THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION 



IV. 

A SHORT THANKSGIVING 

( To be said on the evening following the morning when 
one communicates.} 

IN the Name ^ of the Father and of the 
Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

LET us give thanks unto our Lord God and 
praise Him for all His mercies. 

OMOST Gracious Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, we give Thee hearty thanks that 
Thou hast been pleased to feed us this 
day with the Most Comfortable Sacrament of 
Thy Body and Blood. We praise Thee and 
bless Thee for all Thy Goodness to us and to 
all men, and pray Thee that we may have re- 
ceived these Holy Mysteries to Thine Honour 
and Glory, to our strength and salvation, and 
not to our condemnation and punishment. And 
we beseech Thee, bless the labours of Thy 
faithful people and prosper all that they take 
in hand, making us perfect in every good work to 
do Thy Will, working in us that which is well 
pleasing in Thy Sight. Grant us thankful hearts 
for all Thy Blessings and give us grace henceforth 
to live a life hid with Thee in God, rejoicing 
only at that which brings us closer to Thee and 
grieving only at that which draws us away 
from Thee. Mercifully pardon and forgive 
those who have neglected this Holy Sacrament 
and spiritually strengthen and refresh those who 
were unable to come to Thine Altar. Guard us 
in this world from all dangers which may assault 
the body or the soul, and through Thy mercy 



A SHORT THANKSGIVING 133 



Lord, grant us, in the world to come, Life 
Everlasting. Amen. 



LORD, Thou hast been very gracious to me 
this day ; I will give Thee thanks with my 
whole heart. 

Psalm ciii. 1-5, 20-22. 

PRAISE the Lord, O my soul ; and all that 
is within me praise His Holy Name. 
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget 
not all His benefits : 

Who forgiveth all thy sin, and healeth all 
thine infirmities : 

Who saveth thy life from destruction, and 
crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness : 
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, 
making thee young and lusty as an eagle. 

O praise the Lord, ye Angels of His ; ye that 
excel in strength, ye that fulfil His command- 
ment, and hearken unto the voice of His words. 

O praise the Lord, all ye His hosts ; ye ser- 
vants of His that do His pleasure. 

O speak good of the Lord, all ye works of 
His, in all places of His dominion : praise thou 
the Lord, O my soul. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 



PRAISE the Lord, ye servants : O praise the 
Name of the Lord. 

Blessed be the Name of the Lord : 
from this time forth for evermore. 




UR Father, Who art in Heaven, etc. 



Psalm cxiii. 1-7. 



134 THE ORDER OF HOI.Y COMMUNION 

The Lord's Name is praised : from the 
rising up of the sun unto the going down of the 
same. 

The Lord is high above all heathen : and 
His glory above the heavens. 

Who is like unto the Lord our God, that 
hath His dwelling so high : and yet humbleth 
Himself to behold the things that are in heaven 
and earth ! 

He taketh up the simple out of the dust : 
and lifteth the poor out of the mire ; 

That He may set him with the princes : even 
with the princes of His people. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

THE Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord 
make His Face to shine upon us and be 
gracious unto us. The Lord lift up the 
Light of His Countenance upon us, and give us 
peace both now and evermore. Amen. 



THANKSGIVING AFTER HOLY 
COMMUNION 



(A dapted from the A ncient English Use of Old Saru7it.) 

Antiphon. Let us sing the Song of the Three 
Children ; which they sang as they blessed the 
Lord in the furnace of fire. 

Canticle. 
Benedicite, omnia Opera. 

OALL ye works of the Lord, bless ye the 
Lord : praise Him, and magnify Him for 
ever. 

O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : 
praise Him, and magnify Him for ever. 

O ye Children of Men, bless ye the Lord : 
praise Him, and magnify Him for ever. 

O let Israel bless the Lord : praise Him, and 
magnify Him for ever. 

O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : 
praise Him, and magnify Him for ever. 

O ye Servants of the Lord, bless ye the 
Lord : praise Him, and magnify Him for ever. 

O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, 
bless ye the Lord : praise Him, and magnify 
Him for ever. 



135 



136 THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION 



O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye 
the Lord : praise Him, and magnify Him for 
ever. 

O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the 
Lord : praise Him, and magnify Him for ever. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Psalm cl. Laudate Dominu?n. 

PRAISE God in His holiness : praise Him 
in the firmament of His power. 

Praise Him in His noble acts : praise 
Him according to His excellent greatness. 

Praise Him in the sound of the trumpet : praise 
Him upon the lute and harp. 

Praise Him in the cymbals and dances : 
praise Him upon the strings and pipe. 

Praise Him upon the well-tuned cymbals : 
praise Him upon the loud cymbals. 

Let every thing that hath breath praise the 
Lord. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

The Song of Symeon. 
Nunc Dimittis. 

LORD, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart 
in peace, according to Thy word. 

For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, 
Which Thou hast prepared before the face of 
all people, 

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles ; and to 
be the glory of Thy people Israel. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Antiphon. Let us sing the Song of the Three 
Children ; which they sang as they blessed the 
Lord in the furnace of fire. 



THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION 137 



7 ORD, have mercy upon us. 
I j Christ, have mercy upon us. 

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

OUR Father, Who art in heaven, Hal- 
lowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom 
come. Thy will be done on earth, As it 
is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive 
those that trespass against us. And lead us not 
into temptation : But deliver us from evil. Amen. 

Let us bless God, the Father, the Son, and the 
Holy Ghost. 
Let us praise and exalt Hitn above all for ever. 
Blessed art Thou, O Lord in the highest. 

And worthy to be praised and glorious for ever. 
The Almighty and Merciful God bless and keep 
us. Amen. 

Enter not into judgment with Thy servant, O 
Lord. 

For in Thy Sight shall no man living be 
justified. 

Turn us again, O Lord God of Hosts. 

Show the light of Thy Countenance and we 
shall be whole. 
O Lord, hear my prayer. 

And let my cry come unto Thee. 
The Lord be with you : 

And with Thy Spirit. 



OGOD, Who for the Three Children didst 
cool the flames of fire, mercifully grant 
that the flame of sin may not consume us 
Thy servants. 




Let us pray. 



I38 THANKSGIVING AFTKR COMMUNION 



Enkindle, O Lord, with the fire of Thy Holy 
Spirit, our reins and our hearts, that we may 
serve Thee with chaste bodies and please Thee 
with pure minds. 

Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with 
Thy most gracious favour, and further us with 
Thy continual help : that in all our works begun, 
continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify 
Thy Holy Name, and finally by Thy mercy 
obtain everlasting life. 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Wholiveth 
and reigneth with Thee, in the Unity of the 
same Spirit, ever One God, world without end. 
Amen. 

(// desired, the Thanksgiving may end here, or else 
the follo'wiizg may be added.) 

Omnipotens , Sempiterne Deus. 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Preserver 
of Souls and Redeemer of the world, 
most graciously regard me Thy servant 
prostrate before Thy Majesty ; and this Sacrifice 
which in honour of Thy Name we have pre- 
sented before Thee, for the Salvation of the 
faithful, whether living or departed and also for 
our sins and offences do Thou most mercifully 
regard. Take away from me Thy wrath, grant 
me Thy grace and mercy, open to me the door of 
Paradise, mightily rescue me from all evils and 
forgive whatever sin of my own guilt I have 
committed. And make me so to persevere in 
Thy Commandments in this world, that I may 
be made worthy to be united to the flock of the 
Elect, through Thy Bounty, O, my God, Whose 
Blessed Name and Honour and Kingdom re- 
maineth for ever and ever. Amen. 



THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION 1 39 



Omnipotens, Sempiterne Deus. 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Jesu 
Christ my Lord, be Thou merciful to 
my sins, through the reception of Thy 
Body and Blood. For Thou, O Lord, hast said 
"Whoso eateth My Flesh and drinketh My 
Blood dwelleth in Me and I in Him." Where- 
fore I humbly beseech Thee, that Thou wouldst 
create in me a pure heart, and renew a right spirit 
within me ; that Thou wouldst deign to stablish 
me with Thy Firm Spirit ; and so deliver me 
from the snares of the devil and from all my 
sins, that I may attain to be a partaker of Thine 
heavenly joys ; Who livest and reignest with the 
Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, for 
ever and ever. Amen. 

WE yield Thee thanks, O Lord, Holy 
Father, Almighty, Everlasting God, 
Who not for any merit of ours, but of 
Thy mercy only, hast been pleased to feed us 
sinners, Thine unworthy servants, with the Pre- 
cious Body and Blood of Thy Son, our Lord, 
Jesus Christ. And we beseech Thee, that this 
Holy Communion may not accuse us unto con- 
demnation but may be to us pardon and salva- 
tion. Let it be to us an armour of faith and a 
shield of good resolution. Let it be to us the 
riddance of all vices, the killing of all evil de- 
sires and longings, and the increase of love and 
patience, of humility and obedience, and of all 
virtues ; a firm defence against all enemies visible 
and invisible, a constraining power to purity and 
holiness. Let it make us always cling closely to 
Thee, the One, True and Only God, and end our 
earthly days in peace. And we pray Thee to 



140 Thanksgiving aftkr communion 

bring us to that Heavenly Banquet, where Thou 
with Thy Son and the Holy Ghost art to Thy 
Saints true light, everlasting joy and perfect 
happiness. Amen. 

MOREOVER we beseech Thee, O Lord, 
that this Holy Communion may be unto 
us a guide and provision for our journey 
unto the haven of everlasting Salvation. May 
it be to us comfort in sorrow, strength in trial, 
patience in difficulty, medicine in sickness, de- 
light in prosperity and love in all things. By 
these most Holy Mysteries, which we have re- 
ceived, grant us right faith, firm hope and per- 
fect charity, purification of desire, gladness of 
mind, ardent love of Thee and a due re- 
membrance of the Passion of Thy Beloved Son, 
with grace to keep our lives full of faith and vir- 
tue. And in the hour of our departure grant 
that we may receive this great Mystery with 
true faith, sure hope and sincere charity unto 
Everlasting Life. Amen. 



ADDITIONAL DEVOTIONS. 

{Mainly adaptations of Ancient Liturgies.) 



{May be used before Communion?) 

OLORD, we Thy servants bow down before 
Thy Holy Altar, waiting for the rich mer- 
cies which are from Thee. Send down 
upon us richly we beseech Thee, Thy grace and 
benediction, and sanctify our souls and minds 
and bodies that we may worthily receive these 
Holy Mysteries, unto forgiveness of sins and 
everlasting life. For Thou, O God, with Thine 
Only Begotten Son and Thy Most Holy Spirit 
art to be worshipped and glorified now and for 
ever. Amen. 1 

O BLESSED Master, Lord and God, reject 
me not utterly, though stained with many 
sins. Behold, I come to Thy Divine and 
Heavenly Mysteries, not as being worthy but 
trusting in Thy great goodness. O God, be 
merciful to me a sinner and though I have sinned 
against Heaven and before Thee, and am not 
worthy to raise my eyes to Thy Holy Table, do 
Thou prepare and cleanse me for this Thy ser- 
vice, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with 
Thee and the Holy Ghost art blessed now and 
unto the ages of ages. Amen. 1 

1 Liturgy of S. James, considerably adapted. 

141 



142 



ADDITIONAL DEVOTIONS 



OLORD, as we receive Thy Precious Body 
and Blood, send forth Thine unseen Hand 
which is full of blessings and bountifully 
bless us all. Have mercy upon us and strengthen 
us by Thy Divine Power. Take away from us 
the sinful working of all fleshly lusts. Drive 
from before our eyes the encompassing gloom 
of sin and unite us with the blessed company of 
all faithful people, who have been well pleasing 
unto Thee. For through Thee and with Thee 
and in Thee, with the Father and the Holy 
Ghost be all praise, honour, might, majesty, 
dominion and power, now and for ever, unto 
the ages of ages. Amen. 1 

OLORD, with this Holy Sacrifice we offer up 
our prayers and supplications unto Thee, 
asking for ourselves the peace from above, 
the Love of God, the Salvation of our Souls ; for 
others that Thou wouldst be pleased to remem- 
ber the poor, to help the suffering, to heal the 
sick, to comfort the broken-hearted, to watch 
over the traveller, to give peace to the Church, 
to grant prosperity to the world, bringing 
all people to love and confess Thee, the One 
and Only God. And especially do we pray for 
the heavenly and adorable gifts which are from 
Thee, and for the salvation of Thy priest who 
stands to offer them by Thy Divine Command. 
O Lord God, grant that our Oblations, hallowed 
by the Holy Ghost, may be well pleasing unto 
Thee, and accept them, we beseech Thee, for the 
forgiveness of our sins, the salvation of Thy 
people and the repose of the faithful, that all at 
the Day of Judgment may find grace and mercy, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2 

1 Liturgy of S. Mark, adapted. 

2 Adapted from the Liturgy of S. James. 



ADDITIONAL DEVOTIONS 143 



OLORD, Who blessest them that bless Thee, 
and hallowest them that put their trust in 
Thee, save Thy people and bless Thine 
inheritance. Guard, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy 
Church. Hallow those that love the beauty 
of Thine House. Forsake not us who put our 
trust in Thee. Give peace to the world, to the 
Church, to the Priesthood, to our Rulers, and to 
all Thy people ; for every good gift and every 
perfect work is from above, coming from Thee, 
the Father of Lights, to Whom we ascribe, with 
the Son and the Holy Ghost, all glory, thanks- 
giving and worship now and ever, unto the ages 
of ages. Amen. 1 

OLORD, grant that this Holy Communion 
may be to those who shall receive it, for 
the forgiveness of sins, the sanctification 
of souls and bodies, and the bringing forth of 
the fruit of good works, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord, with Whom Thou art worshipped and 
glorified in the Unity of the Holy Ghost now 
and forever. Amen.' 2 

UNTO Thee, O Lord and Lover of Men, 
we commend our whole life and hope, 
praying and beseeching Thee to grant 
that we may partake of Thine heavenly Mysteries 
with a pure conscience, unto remission of sins 
and pardon of transgressions, unto communion 
with Thee and inheritance of the Kingdom of 
Heaven and not unto judgment or condemnation. 
Amen. 3 

1 Adapted from the Liturgy of S. Chrysostom. 

2 Adapted from the Liturgy of S. James. 

3 Adapted from the Liturgy of S. Chrysostom. 



144 



ADDITIONAL DEVOTIONS 




LORD, we offer unto Thee with this Holy 



Sacrifice, ourselves and souls and bodies 



for Thee to accept for the sake of Thy 
Beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant 
O God, that hallowed by our union with Him, and 
cleansed in His Precious Blood, we may be a 
pure offering in Thy Sight and may evermore 
give ourselves up in loving service and holy obe- 
dience to Thee, Who art to be praised and glori- 
fied now and forever. Amen. 

/"^ OME, O Lord, in mercy to my soul and 



dwell there forever. Give to me Thy- 



self, without Whom all the world could 
not satisfy, and with Whom is joy unspeakable. 
Let me seek Thee with the full strength of my 
being, with the ardent longing of my soul, and 
finding Thee, let my life show forth the Glory of 
Thy Name, in the flowers of good works and the 
fragrance of holy living. Amen. 

BE Thou merciful to me, O Good Jesus, and 
grant unto me, Thy poor suppliant, some- 
times at least to feel in Holy Communion 
the cordial affection of Thy love, that my faith 
may grow stronger, my hope increase, my love 
enkindle. . . O Most Holy and Loving Lord, 
Whom I now desire to receive with devotion, 
Thou knowest my weakness and how often I am 
weighed down, tempted, troubled and defiled. 
To Thee I come for remedy. To Thee I pray 
for comfort and help. Behold, I stand before 
Thee, beseeching Thy grace and imploring Thy 
mercy. O Cheer Thy famishing suppliant, en- 
kindle my coldness with the fire of Thy love, 
enlighten my blindness with the brightness of 
Thy Presence, and raise my heart unto Thee. . . . 




ADDITIONAL DEVOTIONS 145 



With the greatest devotion and burning love, 
with all the affection and fervour of my heart I 
desire to receive Thee, O Lord. O Deal with me 
in Thy mercy as Thou hast often dealt wonder- 
fully with Thy saints of old, and prevent Thy 
servant in the blessing of Thy love, that I may 
worthily and devoutly approach and receive this 
Glorious Sacrament. 1 Amen. 

OLORD, we would remember in our prayers 
the Holy Catholic Church, that Thou 
mayst graciously vouchsafe to increase it 
in faith, hope and charity. We would remember 
the sick and suffering, the desolate and sorrow- 
ful, the poor and destitute, that Thou mayst 
heal, comfort and relieve them. We would re- 
member the souls of the faithful departed, that 
they may rest in peace where their works do fol- 
low them. Mercifully perform this, we beseech 
Thee, O Eternal and Almighty Father, to 
Whom we offer this Holy Sacrifice. Amen.' 2 

MOST Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ the great High Priest, Who for us 
didst offer Thyself upon the Cross, a pure 
and spotless Victim, and didst ordain this Holy 
Mystery and give us Thy Flesh to eat and Thy 
Blood to drink, saying, Do this in remembrance 
of Me, I pray Thee to wash us from our sins, 
and teach us by Thy Holy Spirit to receive these 
Sacred Gifts with such reverence and honour, 
such devotion and love as is meet and fitting. 
Make us through Thy Grace, always to believe 
and think and speak of this great Mystery as shall 
please Thee and be good for our souls. Let Thy 

1 Freely adapted from Thomas a Kempis. 

2 Freely adapted from Mozarabic Liturgy. 



I46 ADDITIONAL DEVOTIONS 



Holy Spirit enter into our hearts and speak and 
teach all truth. For these Sacred Mysteries are 
beyond man's understanding. In Thy Mercy 
grant us to receive this Holy Eucharist with a 
clean heart and pure mind. Drive away all vain, 
evil, impure and unholy thoughts. Defend us 
with the loving and faithful protection of the 
blessed angels, and keep us free from the spirit of 
pride and vanity, envy and blasphemy, doubt and 
distrust and fill us with boundless love of Thee. 
Amen. 1 

OLORD, by this Most Sacred Mystery of 
Thy Body and Blood, whereof in Thy 
Church we are daily permitted to partake 
and whereby we are washed and sanctified and 
are made sharers of the Divine Life, Grant us we 
beseech Thee, Thy manifold gifts of Grace that 
replenished with them, we may approach Thine 
Altar with a good conscience and may receive 
these heavenly sacraments to our health and com- 
fort. For Thou hast said "The Bread which 
I give is My Flesh for the life of the world. I 
am the Living Bread, which came down from 
Heaven. If any man eat of this Bread, he shall 
live forever." O Bread most sweet, grant us the 
pleasantness of Thy Love. Heal us of all weak- 
ness that we may have joy in naught but Thee. 
O Bread most fair, that ever refreshest us and 
never failest, may we feed upon Thee and may 
our inmost soul be filled with Thine Heavenly 
peace. May we in our pilgrimage so receive Thee 
that we may not faint upon our way, but come in 
safety to the end of our journey. O Holy Bread, 
O Living Bread, O Adorable Bread, that comest 

1 Freely adapted from Prayers variously ascribed to 
S. Ambrose and S. Anselm, 



ADDITIONAL DEVOTIONS 147 



down from Heaven, come unto us and cleanse us 
from all defilement of flesh and spirit. Drive 
away from us all enemies, and so watch over us, 
that we may reach Thine Heavenly Kingdom, 
where no more as now in Mysteries shall we see 
Thee, but Face to face, Who with the Father 
and the Holy Ghost art to be worshipped and 
glorified unto the ages. Amen. 1 

{May be said after Communion.*) 

MAY the performance of our bounden duty 
be pleasing unto Thee, O God, and grant 
that this Holy Sacrifice which we, though 
unworthy, have presented before Thy Divine 
Majesty, may be acceptable unto Thee and ob- 
tain mercy for us and for those for whom we 
pray, by Thy compassion, Who livest and reignest 
One God, world without end. Amen. 2 

OMOST Merciful Saviour, look with com- 
passion, we beseech Thee, upon us who 
have received the sacred gifts of Thy 
Body and Blood. Bless the lips which have 
praised Thee, the heart which has loved Thee, 
the body which has worshipped Thee, the soul 
which has adored Thee, that in the world to 
come, they may be Thine forever. Amen. 

OGOD, Who art Holy and Wonderful and 
Mighty, Whose Power and Wisdom have 
no end, before Whom all things bow, and 
the heavens and earth declare Thy Glory, grant 
me to love Thee and to worship Thee forever and 
ever. Guide me unto the perfect light, that 
illumined by its radiance all darkness may flee 
away. Let the holy flame of Thy love so burn 

1 Largely borrowed from Prayers variously ascribed to 
S. Ambrose and S. Anselm. 

2 Adapted from Old Sarum Use. 



148 ADDITIONAL DEVOTIONS 



in my heart that it may be made pure and holy, 
for none but the pure in heart can see and know 
and receive Thee, the King of Kings, our Lord 
and God. Amen. 1 

O CHRIST our God, the Mystery of Thy Re- 
demption is accomplished as far as in us 
lies. We have had in remembrance Thy 
Death ; we have seen Thy Resurrection ; we 
have been granted Thy Divine Life ; we have 
received Thine Heavenly joys ; and now we pray 
Thee that hereafter we may be accounted worthy 
of Everlasting Life, Through Thy Merits and 
Mediation. Amen. 2 

( The Hymns on pages 152-158 will be found helpful as 
additional acts of devotion?) 

ACTS OF ADORATION 

{May be said as opportunity offers) 

O SAVIOUR of the World, our Lord and 
Master Jesus Christ, Lover of Souls, and 
King of Glory, we adore Thee Present in 
the Holy Sacrament. Thou art the Only Be- 
gotten of the Father, All Holy and All Blessed, 
Infinite and Eternal, dwelling in all the fulness 
and splendour of the Light of Heaven, One with 
God the Father and God the Holy Ghost, 
Equal in Might, Majesty, Dominion and Power, 
Who art to be worshipped, honoured and glorified 
unto the ages of ages. We adore Thee, God of 
God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, now 
veiled in the Holy Sacraments, even as in Thy 
Divine Compassion Thou didst veil Thy Glory in 
the Incarnation, to reveal to us the Love of God 
and to redeem mankind from sin. 

1 Adapted from S. Augustine. 

2 Adapted from Liturgy of S. Basil. 



ACTS OF ADORATION 149 



We adore Thee once a Little Child on Thy 
Manger Throne of Bethlehem, lying upon the 
straw as an Helpless Babe but soaring on the 
wings of the wind, as the Lord Almighty. With 
Mary and Joseph, with Shepherds and Magi and 
with all the Angels of Heaven we worship Thee, 
filling all things with Thy Glory. Those Tender 
Hands and Feet which later were pierced by the 
cruel nails, those Holy Brows which wore the 
Crown of thorns, those Sacred Lips which cried 
"I thirst," were once caressed by the Virgin 
Mother as adoringly she gazed upon Thee, the 
Holy Child. 

We adore Thee as God made Man, in Thy 
Holy Home at Nazareth, in Thy Life of labour 
and poverty, and we worship Thee, praying that 
we may pattern ourselves after Thy Holy Ex- 
ample, following Thee, Who though the car- 
penter's Son art Lord of Hosts and Maker and 
Ruler of all things. 

We adore Thee, Ministering among men, 
reviled, rejected, persecuted, mocked, weary, 
hungry and faint, with no place in which to lay 
Thy Head, though Heaven and Earth were 
made by Thee and are full of Thy Glory. We 
adore Thee in Thy Words and Works, in Thy 
Miracles and Parables and pray Thee, that as 
Thou didst cleanse the lepers, so wash us from 
our sins, as Thou didst heal the sick, so cure us 
of our spiritual ills, as Thou gavest sight to the 
blind, so drive away our spiritual darkness, as 
Thou didst feed the multitudes, so give us the 
Bread of Life. 

We adore Thee, O Man of Sorrows, in Thine 
Agony in the Garden, remembering Thy Bloody 



ACTS OF ADORATION 



Sweat, Thy Bitter Passion, and Thy Shameful 
Humiliation, Thou Who didst patiently bear all 
these things for us men and for our salvation, Who 
with a word could have had Legions of Angels 
at Thy Side. And we beseech Thee that in the 
thought of what Thou didst bear for us, we also 
may endure all trials and have the joy of fellow- 
ship with Thee. 

We adore Thee, Jesu, carrying Thy Cross for 
us, crowned with the crown of thorns, covered 
with Blood, dust and spittle, and we worship 
Thee as the Prince of Peace, Who reconciled us 
to the Father by that Tree of Agony, and we 
pray Thee that we may bravely bear our Cross 
of self-discipline, self-denial and self-control. 

We adore Thee, our Redeemer, Nailed upon 
the Cross and we reverence that Sacred Spectacle 
of Shame and Suffering. We pray that Thy 
Precious Blood may fall on us Drop by Drop 
to cleanse us from all our sin and that henceforth 
we may show the stigmata of that Cross in a 
pure and holy life. O Adorable Saviour, let us 
rest in Thee, as we now adore Thee and worship 
Thee, the Rock of Ages, "the Rock that is 
higher than I." Bless us and plead for us 
in Thine Heavenly Intercession. We adore 
Thee Stripped, to reprove our love of dress, and 
beseech Thee to strip us of the robe of pride and 
to clothe us with humility. We adore Thee, 
Nailed, to reprove our licence, liberty and law- 
lessness and beseech Thee to crucify our vile lusts 
and affections. We adore Thee Crowned with 
Thorns, to reprove our vain ambitions and pray 
Thee to drive away from us worldly thoughts 
and unlawful desires. O help us pattern our- 
selves after Thee, Who on the Cross didst lay 



ACTS OF ADORATION 



151 



down Thy Life, Thou Who as God hast all 
Power over Life and Death. 

We adore Thee, our Saviour, taken from the 
Cross. As Thy Sacred Body rested in the Tomb, 
come into these cold hearts of ours to warm 
them with an holy fire ; as Thou O Lord didst 
preach to the souls in Paradise so rule and direct 
us in all things. 

We adore Thee O Christ, Risen again from 
the dead and Ascended into Heaven, and we 
pray that we may rise from our sins and as- 
cend to lead a better life, ever drawing nearer 
and closer to Thee, as we worship, praise and 
magnify Thee, the Great King of Kings, the 
Lord Most High, now Reigning in Thy Power 
at the Right Hand of the Father, in all the Glory 
of the Heavenly Places, adored by Angels and 
Archangels and all the Company of Heaven. 

O Saviour of the World, grant that we may no 
longer requite such Infinite Love by coldness or 
wrongdoing. Drive away from us, we beseech 
Thee, all carelessness and indifference, all pride 
and worldliness, all selfishness and ingratitude, 
and grant to us such rich measure of Thy Grace 
that we may wholly give ourselves to Thee, Who 
wast all nailed to the Cross for us ; that we may 
burn with the fire of love, the ardour of devotion, 
the fervour of zeal, ever adoring, worshipping and 
glorifying Thee, so that in this world we may 
feel that peace and exaltation that only Thou 
canst give and in the world to come may see 
Thee. For Thou hast said ' 1 Blessed are the pure, 
in heart for they shall see God." Glory and 
honour, praise and worship, be to the Father 
and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, world 
without end. Amen. 



EUCHARISTIC HYMNS 



{These may profitably be used as acts of Devotion.) 



O SAVING Victim, opening wide 
The gate of Heaven to man below, 
Our foes press on from every side 
Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow. 

All praise and thanks to Thee ascend. 

Forevermore, Blest One in Three, 
O grant us life that shall not end, 

In our true native land with Thee. 1 



VERY Bread, Good Shepherd, tend us : 
Jesu, of Thy Love befriend us ; 
Thou refresh us, Thou defend us ; 
Thine eternal goodness send us, 

In the land of life to see. 

Thou, Who all things canst and knowest, 
Who on earth such Food bestowest, 
Grant us with Thy Saints though lowest. 
Where the Heavenly Feast Thou showest 

Fellow heirs and guests to be. 2 

1 S. Thomas Aquinas. 2 Ancient Hymn. 



152 



COME ALL YE FAITHFUL ; O, COME 
LET US ADORE HIM." 



KUCHARISTIC HYMNS 153 



PROSTRATE I adore Thee, Deity Unseen 
Who Thy Glory hidest 'neath these shadows 
mean ; 

Lord my faith unfeigned, evermore increase 
Give me hope unfading, love that cannot cease. 
Shepherd of the Faithful, Jesu, hear my cry, 
Lord, increase their faith who on Thy Faith 



'T was the Godhead only, on the Cross was 
veiled, 

Here the Manhood also is from sight concealed. 
Both alike believing, Thee One Christ, I own 
Pleading penitently at Thy mercy's Throne. 
Shepherd of the Faithful, Jesu hear our cry, 
Lord, increase their faith who on Thy Faith 



HEE we adore, O hidden Saviour, Thee 



Who in Thy Sacrament dost deign to be, 



Both flesh and spirit at Thy Presence fail, 
Yet here Thy Presence we devoutly hail. 

O blest Memorial of our Dying Lord, 
Who Living Bread to men doth here afford ! 
O may our souls for ever feed on Thee, 
And Thou, O Christ, for ever Precious be. 

Fountain of Goodness, Jesu, Lord and God, 
Cleanse us unclean with Thy Most Cleansing 
Blood : 

Increase our faith and love that we may know 
The hope and peace which from Thy Presence 



rely. 



rely. 1 




flow. 



1 Adapted from Priests' Book of Private Devotion. 



154 KUCHARISTIC HYMNS 



O Christ, Whom now beneath a veil we see, 
May what we thirst for soon our portion be, 
To gaze on Thee unveiled and see Thy Face, 
The vision of Thy Glory and Thy Grace. 1 



BREAD of Heaven, on Thee we feed 
For Thy Flesh is meat indeed : 
Ever may our souls be fed 
With this true and living Bread : 
Day by day with strength supplied 
Through the Life of Him, Who Died. 

Vine of Heaven, Thy Blood supplies 

This Blest Cup of Sacrifice ; 

Lord, Thy Wounds our healing give 

To Thy Cross we look and live : 
Jesu, may we ever be 
Grafted, rooted, built in Thee. 2 



WE love Thine Altar, Lord 
O, what on earth so dear ? 
For there in faith adored, 
We find Thy Presence near. 

Lord Jesus grant us grace 

On earth to love Thee more ; 
In Heaven, to see Thy Face 

And with Thy Saints adore. 3 

1 Hymn 312, A and M. 2 Hymn 318, A and M. 

3 Hymn 242, A and M. 



EUCHARISTIC HYMNS 155 



WORD made Flesh, true Bread He maketh 
By His Word, His Flesh to be ; 
Wine His Blood, which whoso taketh 
Must from carnal thoughts be free ; 
Faith alone, though sight forsaketh, 
Shows true hearts the Mystery. 

Therefore we before Him bending 

This great Sacrament revere ; 
Types and shadows have their ending, 

For the newer Rite is here ; 
Faith our outward sense befriending 

Makes our inward vision clear. 

Glory, let us give and blessing 

To the Father and the Son, 
Honour, might and praise addressing 

While eternal ages run, 
Ever too His Love confessing 

Who from Both with Both is One. 1 



SOUL of Jesus, make me holy, 
Make me contrite, meek, and lowly ; 
Soul most stainless, Soul Divine, 
Cleanse this sordid soul of mine, 
Hallow this polluted soul, 
Purify it, make it whole, 
Soul of Jesus, hallow me, 

Miserere Domine. 

Save me, Body of my Lord, 

Save a sinner, vile, abhorred, 

Sacred Body, wan and worn, 

Bruised and mangled, scourged and torn, 

1 Hymn 30Q, A and M. 



156 EUCHARISTIC HYMNS 



Pierced Hands and Feet and Side, 
Rent, insulted, Crucified, 
Save me — to the Cross I flee, 
Miserere Domine. 

Blood of Jesus, stream of life 
Sacred stream with blessings rife, 
From that Broken Body shed, 
On the Cross, that Altar dread, 
Given to be our Drink Divine, 
Fill my heart and make it Thine, 
Blood of Christ, my succour be, 
Miserere Domine. 

Stream of water, stream that poured 
From Thy pierced Side, O Lord, 
Wash Thou me without, within, 
Cleanse me from the taint of sin, 
Till my soul is clean and white, 
Bathed and purified and bright, 
As a ransomed soul should be, 
Miserere Domine. 

Jesu, by the wondrous power 
Of Thine awful Passion hour, 
By the unimagined woe, 
Mortal man may never know ; 
By the curse upon Thee laid, 
By the Ransom Thou hast paid, 
By Thy Passion, comfort me, 
Miserere Domine. 

Jesu, by Thy bitter Death, 
By Thy last expiring Breath, 
Give me the Eternal Life 
Purchased by that mortal strife. 
Thou didst suffer Death that I 



EUCHARISTIC HYMNS 157 



Might not die eternally ; 
By Thy Dying quicken me, 
Miserere Domine. 

Miserere ; let me be 
Never parted, Lord, from Thee ; 
Guard me from my ruthless foe, 
Save me from eternal woe ; 
In the dreadful Judgment Day 
Be Thy Cross my hope and stay ; 
When the hour of Death is near 
And my spirit faints for fear, 
Call me with Thy Voice of Love, 
Place me near to Thee above, 
With Thine Angel Host to raise 
An undying song of praise ; 

Miserere Domine. 1 



AND now, O Father, mindful of the love 
That bought us, once for all, on Calvary's 
Tree 

And having with us Him that pleads above, 
We here present, we here spread forth to 
Thee, 

That only Offering, Perfect in Thine eyes, 
The One, True, Pure, Immortal Sacrifice. 

Look, Father, look on His Anointed Face 
And only look on us as found in Him ; 

Look not on our misusings of Thy Grace, 

Our prayers so languid, and our faith so dim ; 

For lo ! Between our sins and their reward, 

We set the Passion of Thy Son our Lord. 

1 From the Church Porch, England 1855, quoted now 
from Priests* Book of Private Devotions. 



158 EUCHARISTIC HYMNS 



And then for those our dearest and our best 
By this Prevailing Presence we appeal ; 

O fold them closer to Thy Mercy's Breast ; 
O do Thine utmost for their soul's true weal ! 

From tainting mischief keep them white and 
clear, 

And crown their gifts with strength to persevere. 

And so we come ; O draw us to Thy Feet, 
Most Patient Saviour Who canst love us still ! 

And by this Food, so awful and so sweet 
Deliver us from every touch of ill, 

In Thine Own service make us glad and free, 

And grant us never more to part from Thee. 1 

1 Hymn 228, American Hymnal. 



A LONGER FORM OF 
SELF EXAMINATION 1 

BY THE 

TEN COMMANDMENTS 

{These Cotmnandments condemn all sins and com- 
mend all virtues ; when anything is explicitly ordered 
or forbidden, the contrary is implicitly condemned or 
commanded.) 



THE FIRST COMMANDMENT 

Religion 

( This teaches Faith, Hope, and Charity and condemns 
spiritual and intellectual Pride which is the cause of 
all tinbelief or irreligion.) 

1AM the Lord thy God : thou shalt have 
none other gods but Me. 

— Have I realized the need and duty of Religion ? 

— Have I firmly believed in God, the Blessed 
Trinity, Three Persons, Father, Son 
and Holy Ghost, but One God, 
Maker and Preserver of all things ? 

1 This may be used before the great Festivals and Fasts 
of the Church year and on special occasions. 

159 



O FORM OF SEIyF EXAMINATION 

Have I remembered that God is always Pres- 
' ent, and sees my acts, knows my 
thoughts, hears my words, for which 
some day I must give account ? 

Have I believed all God teaches through the 
Church, the Scriptures and the Creeds, 
especially the truths of the Incarnation 
and Redemption, and have I kept from 
all false doctrine, heresy and schism ? 

Have I believed in the Church as God's ap- 
pointed means of grace, to teach His 
Word, administer the Sacraments and 
save souls? 

Have I had proper trust in God's Love, 
Mercy, Goodness, Justice, Knowledge, 
confiding all to Him and accepting His 
Will as best? Has the thought of 
God's Infinite Holiness and Perfection 
humbled me and driven away my pride ? 

Have I thought of God's Love as shown in 
our Creation, Preservation, and Re- 
demption, and all the blessings of this 
life ? 

Have I set God above all else, loving Him 
with all my mind and soul and heart 
and strength, as the Father Who made 
me, the Son Who Redeemed me, the 
Holy Ghost Who sanctified me? 

Have I had a holy fear of sinning against God's 
Love. Have I lived according to His 
Will and Commandments ? 

Have I sinned by pride, wrong ambition, 
vainglory, boastfulness, love of praise, 
inordinate opinion of myself, posi- 
tion, talents or appearance ? Have I 
been self-willed or self-satisfied, trust- 
ing too much in human knowledge and 



FORM OF SELF EXAMINATION l6l 



refusing godly counsel ? Have I re- 
fused assent to God's Revelation or 
failed to obey the Church's Teaching ? 
— Have I grown more or less religious as I have 
grown older? 

Act of Amendment 

OMY God, I believe in Thee, I hope in 
Thee, I love Thee, and I grieve that I 
have so often offended Thee by my sins. 

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT 
Worship 

{This teaches right worship of Almighty GOD, ac- 
cording to the teaching and practice of the Church. It 
forbids giving to idols or creatures the homage due to 
GOD. It also condemns the sin of spiritual Sloth.) 

THOU shalt not make to thyself any graven 
image, nor the likeness of any thing that 
is in Heaven above, or in the earth beneath 
or in the water under the earth ; thou shalt not 
bow down to them nor worship them ; for I the 
Lord thy God am a Jealous God, and visit the 
sins of the fathers upon the children, unto 
the third and fourth generation of them that 
hate Me ; and show mercy unto thousands in 
them that love Me and keep My Commandments. 

— Have I worshipped God "in spirit and in 
truth," humbly, reverently and ador- 
ingly as man to his Maker, as a sinner 
to the All-Holy? 



1 62 FORM OF SKI^F EXAMINATION 



Have I faithfully said my own daily devotions, 
attended Family Prayers if possible, 
read the Bible, attended service in 
Church and above all regularly received 
the Holy Communion ? 

Have I carefully prepared for and rightly 
received the Blessed Sacrament of 
Christ's Body and Blood? Have I 
shown due reverence to Christ Present 
in the Sacrament ? Have I gratefully 
made my thanksgiving? 

Have I given way to superstition or believed 
in chance, magic, or vain observance ? 

Have I joined heartily in the services of the 
Church and listened attentively to ser- 
mons, trying to profit by them ? 

Have I quoted the Bible in joke ; laughed 
at such quotations ; ridiculed religious 
acts ; given up religious practices ? 

Have I said my prayers mechanically, or 
without love, faith, and recollection? 

Have I tried to keep my Baptismal and Con- 
firmation vows ? My Marriage or Or- 
dination vows ? 

Have I given to idols, images or creatures the 
worship due to God only? Have I 
attended services where error was 
taught or practiced, or read blasphem- 
ous, heretical or dangerous books ? 

Have I loved family, friends, power, success, 
intellect, riches, self or self-will or any 
person or any thing more than God ? 
Have I cultivated detachment from 
earthly things? 

Have I "set God always before me," realized 
His Presence, loved to worship Him 
above all else, thanking Him for all 



FORM OE SELF EXAMINATION 1 63 



His Blessings and above all for His 

Great Glory ? 
— Have I remembered that worship here fits me 

for the life in Heaven ? 
— Have I tempted God by persistence in sin ? 
— Have I complained at God's Will or cursed 

anything He has made ? 

Act of Amendment 

HOLY God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and 
Immortal, have mercy upon us. 1 

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT 

Reverence. 

{This teaches reverence to GOD and all things holy, 
and forbids all blasphemy ', swearing, cursing, wrong 
oaths or vows, improper use of Sacred Names, and all 
acts of irreverence, which come from Prided) 

THOU shalt not take the Name of the Lord 
thy God in vain : for the Lord will 
not hold him guiltless that taketh His 
Name in vain. 

— Have I worshipped and adored Almighty God, 
the Father, Son and Holy Ghost : 
reverencing and bowing, as the Script- 
ures direct, at God's Holy Name and 
the Name of Jesus ? 

— Have I worshipped God with the body as 
well as with the mind and soul, doing 
as the Church directs ? If not, was it 
from wrong pride or fear of ridicule ? 

— Have I honoured and reverenced the Blessed 
Virgin, the Apostles, and all Saints and 
Martyrs? 
1 Trisagion of Eastern Church. 



1 64 FORM OF SEI/F EXAMINATION 



— Have I reverenced the Church as the Divine In- 
stitution and Mystical Body of Christ ; 
the Sacraments as God's appointed 
means of Grace ; the Clergy as Stewards 
of God's Mysteries ; the Bible as God's 
Inspired Word ; and all holy places 
and holy things as consecrated to God's 
service ? 

— Have I cursed, sworn, blasphemed or made 
vain use of God's Name, such as saying 
" O Lord" "Good Lord," other than 
in prayer ? Have I made wrong prom- 
ises, vows or oaths ? 

— Have I from ignorance or prejudice objected 
to Rites and Ceremonies I did not 
understand, when they glorified God 
and made His worship beautiful ? 

Act of Amendment 

OMY God, I praise Thee, I bless Thee, I 
worship Thee, I glorify Thee, I give 
thanks to Thee for Thy Great Glory. 
For Thou only art Holy ; Thou only 
art the Lord. 

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT 

Consecration. 

{This teaches consecration of all to GOD, glorifying 
Him by our service ; bids us give one day in seven to His 
Special Worship in Chtcrch^ and work other days if 
necessary ; it forbids desecration of Sunday by secular 
amusements or unnecessary labour and condemns the sin 
of Sloth.) 

REMEMBER that thou keep holy the Sab- 
bath day. Six days shalt thou labour, 
and do all that thou hast to do ; but the 
seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. 



FORM OF SEXF EXAMINATION 165 



In it thou shalt do no manner of work ; thou, and 
thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-servant, and 
thy maid-servant, thy cattle, and thy stranger 
that is within thy gates. For in six days the 
Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all 
that in them is, and rested the seventh day : 
wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and 
hallowed it. 1 

— Have I kept Sunday as the Lord's Day, 
going regularly to Church, receiving 
the Holy Communion or being present 
at the Holy Eucharist ? 

— Have I kept all Holy Days and Saints Days : 
if possible by going to Church and re- 
ceiving the Sacrament, if not, by read- 
ing the service at home ? 

— Have I kept Advent and Lent by additional 
attendance at Church, special self-de- 
nial, and if able by fasting ? 

— Have I kept Friday in memory of the Cruci- 
fixion of our Lord and abstained from 
meat and all entertainments ? 

— Have I urged those under me and given them 
time to attend Divine Worship, remem- 
bering my responsibility for failure to 
do so ; have I tried to win others to 
God, chiefly by a good example ? 

— Have I on Sundays carefully refrained from 
travel, places of amusement, races and 
games and from all but recreation be- 
fitting the day? Have I kept from 
unnecessary work and avoided making 

1 The observance of Saturday, the 7th day, was trans- 
ferred to Sunday, the 1st day, in Honour of our Lord's 
Resurrection. He said that He was " Lord over the Sab- 
bath." 



1 66 FORM OF SEI/F EXAMINATION 



others do such, keeping Sunday as a 
holy and happy day ? 
— Have I consecrated myself to God ; realized 
my responsibility before Him ; followed 
Christ's command of Prayer, Fasting 
and Almsgiving, and when possible, 
giving away at least one tenth of what 
I receive ? Have I faithfully w r orked 
through the week ' ' in that state of life 
unto which it has pleased God to call 
me," doing all as in His Sight and to 
His Glory ? 

— Have I wasted my time, misused my talents, 
or spent too much time in sleep, rest or 
pleasure ? Have I devoted some space 
to God's service, such as teaching the 
ignorant or visiting the sick ? 

— Have I guarded against Sloth by making my 
mind to learn of God, my soul to wor- 
ship God, my body to work for God, 
trying ' ' to serve Him truly all the days 
of my life." 

Act of A mendment. 

STIR up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the 
wills of Thy faithful people : that they 
plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good 
works, may by Thee be plenteously rewarded : 
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT 
Love. 

{This teaches the Sanctity of Home, the virtue of 
Obedience, and our duty in all the social relations.} 

HONOUR thy father and thy mother : that 
thy days may be long in the land which 
the Lord thy God giveth thee. 



FORM OP EXAMINATION 167 



Have I honoured and obeyed my father and 
mother, and tried to make home holy 
and happy, remembering the Presence 
of God and the Home of Jesus ? 

Have I laughed at my parents, failed to love 
them, neglected them, been ashamed 
of them, refused their counsel, wasted 
their money, disgraced them, been 
cross, unkind or disrespectful to them, 
or through my fault brought sorrow 
and suffering upon them ? 

Have I been kind, loving, gentle, sympa- 
thetic and thoughtful to those about me, 
especially to the aged ? 

Have I tried to do unto others as I would they 
should do to me ; used my influence for 
good ; counselled kindly ; rebuked faults 
lovingly ; helped others humbly to re- 
sist temptations, remembering that all 
are souls for whom Christ Died ? 

Have I honoured and obeyed the civil author- 
ity, submitted myself to all governors, 
teachers, spiritual pastors and masters, 
and ordered myself lowly and rever- 
ently to all my betters ? 

Have I tried to incline others to do right ? 

{Additional questions for a Parent.) 

Have I brought up my children to love and 
fear God, to go to Church, to say their 
prayers, to learn as far as possible the 
Christian Faith ? 

Have I had my children Baptized, Con- 
firmed when old enough, and taught 
them properly to prepare for Holy 
Communion ? 

Have I set my children a good example ; 



FORM OF SELF EXAMINATION 



gained their love and confidence ; en- 
tered into their joys and sorrows ; fol- 
lowed their pleasures and pursuits ; 
seen that they had proper friends, read 
proper books and went to proper places ; 
tried to be kind, gentle, and attentive 
to them ; and opposed their wishes only 
for their good ? 

Have I carefully watched over them ; made 
all necessary sacrifices for their tempo- 
ral and spiritual welfare and when pos- 
sible regularly had Family Prayers ? 
{Additional qziestions for Married Persons?) 

Have I fulfilled all the obligations and prom- 
ises of the Marriage Vows, made at 
God's Altar, " to have and to hold, for 
better for worse, for richer for poorer, 
in sickness and in health, to love and 
to cherish, to honour and to keep, to 
be true and faithful " till death us 
do part according to God's Holy 
ordinance ? 
{Additional questions for a Husband?) 

Have I loved, cared for and honoured my 
wife as the weaker vessel? Have I 
kept from being selfish, exacting or 
neglectful ? Have I helped her ; made 
her happy? Have I ever asked her 
obedience in anything wrong ; have I 
tried to do my duty : ' ' Husbands love 
your wives even as Christ also loved 
the Church and gave Himself for it " ? 1 

{Additional questions for a Wife.) 
Have I kept my vow to serve and obey 
my husband, remembering that the 
1 Ephesians v. 25. 



FORM OF SEXF EXAMINATION 169 



glory of the woman is her obedience ? 
Have I tried not to be wasteful, ex- 
travagant, irritable or unreasonable ? 
Have I tried to please my husband and 
make the home quiet, peaceful, bright, 
and happy, doing my duty even as the 
Bible bids : " Wives submit yourselves 
unto your ozvn husband as unto the 
Lord, for the husband is the head of 
the wife even as Christ is the Head of 
the Church : and he is the Saviour of 
the body. Therefore as the Church is 
subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to 
their own husbands in every thing''' 1 

Act of Amendment 



OLORD, Mercifully look with favour upon 
us, we beseech Thee, and fill us with all 
spiritual grace and benediction, that we 
may so live in all the relations of this life that 
in the world to come we may have life ever- 
lasting. Amen. 

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT 

Self Discipline 

( This teaches self-control and brotherly love, bids us to 
be forbearing and forgiving and to refrain from A nger 
in thought or word or deed.) 



— Have I been angry without cause or beyond 
cause, or given way to rage or evil 
passion ? 

— Have I entertained feelings of revenge, mal- 




HOU shalt do no murder. 



1 Ephesians v. 22-24. 



170 FORM OF SEXF EXAMINATION 

ice, or hatred ; brooded over slights or 
injuries ; thought of murder or suicide ; 
wished to injure any one ; desired evil 
to come to others ; or rejoiced at their 
misfortunes ? 

— Have I been cross, irritable, quarrelsome, 
disagreeable, ill-tempered, provoking, 
or fault-finding ? 

— Have I tried to control my temper ; re- 
strained anger by thinking of the Sil- 
ence of Jesus, Who when reviled 
reviled not again ? 

— Have I prayed for my enemies as Christ did 
on the Cross ; forgiven in my heart all 
who have offended me, being ready to 
express it if party owned his sorrow ? 

— Have I been harsh or overbearing to any one ; 
or cruel to persons or animals ? 

— Have I taken pleasure in seeing or hearing 
the faults of others ; have I, if in the 
wrong, owned my own fault and done 
what I could to show regret ? 

— Have I murdered souls by a bad example, 
putting temptation in their way, speak- 
ing lightly of sin ? 

- — Have I tried to love all persons : seeing their 
good points : forgiving their faults ? 

— Have I cultivated patience and self-control, 
thinking before speaking ; at times giv- 
ing up my own wishes ; and following 
the Rule of Charity ? 

Act of Amendment 

OLORD, Who hast taught us that all our 
doings without charity are nothing worth ; 
send Thy Holy Ghost and pour into 
our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, 



FORM OF SKI^F EXAMINATION 171 

the very bond of peace and of all virtues, with- 
out which whosoever liveth is counted dead be- 
fore Thee. Grant this for Thine Only Son 
Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT 
Purity. 

{This teaches Purity in thought and word and deed 
and condemns the sin of Lust.) 

T^HOU shalt not commit Adultery. 



— Have I remembered that we are the " Tem- 
ple of the Holy Ghost," and that the 
sin of Impurity is a grave offence 
against God ? 

— Have I been impure in Act : with others or 
myself ? Have I had impure relations 
with any one ? 

— Have I been impure in Word, speaking any- 
thing vile, immoral, unchaste or sug- 
gestive of evil ? 

— Have I been impure in Thought, 1 reading 
immoral books, looking at indecent 
persons, pictures or things, listening to 
filthy conversations or jokes? 

— Have I inquired into matters of morals out of 
mere curiosity? 

— Have I encouraged impure desires instead of 
driving such away ? 

— Have I remembered that God requires the 
same purity in man as in woman ? 

— Have I been to places or gone with persons 
that might tempt me to impurity ? 

— Have I been modest in person and dress, 
1 Impure thoughts if encouraged become sins of act. 




172 FORM OF SKIyF EXAMINATION" 



never taking liberties, avoiding even 
" the appearance of evil." 



— Have I tried at once to drive away evil 
thoughts, using Prayer, Fasting, even 
Flight if necessary, remembering that 
Impurity brings darkness of mind, 
hardness of heart, injury of health, re- 
sists God's Grace and leads to final im- 
penitence and everlasting damnation ? 

— Have I thought of the Spotless Purity of 
Jesus to incite me to holiness ? Have I 
tried to follow Him? 

— Have I tried to be watchful, prayerful, and 
disciplined, thinking of Jesus and His 
Words, " Blessed are the pure in heart 
for they shall see God." 1 



ALMIGHTY God, Who seest that we have 
no power of ourselves to help ourselves ; 
keep us both outwardly in our bodies and 
inwardly in our souls ; that we may be defended 
from all adversities which may happen to the 
body and from all evil thoughts which may 
assault and hurt the soul, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT 



( This teaches Honesty and Contentment and condemns 
the sin of Envy.} 



— Have I been true and just and honest in all 
that I did ? Have I used my time and 
1 S. Matthew v. 8. 



Act of Amendment 



Honesty. 




HOU shalt not steal. 



FORM OF SELF EXAMINATION 173 

talents, my privileges and opportunities 
as in God's service and for His Glory ? 
Have I given liberally and by self- 
sacrifice to the Church and poor ; real- 
izing that if I do not do these things 
when possible, I am stealing from God ? 

— Have I ever robbed, stolen, embezzled, mis- 
represented ; asked too much or paid too 
little for work or articles ; borrowed, 
knowing I could not repay ; failed to re- 
turn articles loaned ; taken advantage 
of another's ignorance or necessity ; or 
failed to be just and true in all I did? 

—Have I committed sacrilege by stealing from 
a church or irreverently treating holy 
things ? 

— Have I gambled, speculated, taken chances ; 

spent too much money on myself or 
family ; failed to provide, if possible, 
for those who needed it ; taken away 
unjustly any one's good name or char- 
acter ? 

— Have I felt my responsibility for the right use 
of God's Blessings ; kept my soul as 
God's ; thought of the Poverty of 
Jesus ; meditated on the uncertainty of 
riches and the insufficiency of earthly 
joys ; ministered to my soul spiritual 
things ; and tried to detach myself from 
earthly desires ? 

Act of Amendment. 

OGOD, Forasmuch as without Thee we are 
not able to please Thee ; Mercifully grant 
that Thy Holy Spirit may in all things 
direct and rule our hearts, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



174 FORM OF SEI<F EXAMINATION 



THE NINTH COMMANDMENT 
Truth. 

{This teaches Truthfulness and forbids all kinds of 
lying and deceit?) 




HOU shalt not bear false witness against 
thy neighbour. 



— Have I tried to be in love and charity with 
all persons ; thought kindly of their 
doings ; aimed to see their virtues, not 
their faults ? 

— Have I hurt any one by slander or gossip ; 

believed evil without proof ; revealed 
confidences ; spoken uncharitably ; 
started or repeated scandal ; been sus- 
picious without cause ; said things I 
did not mean ; mentioned things I was 
not sure about ? 

— Have I kept from Envy, remembering that the 
Early Church called it a Diabolical sin, 
since it murmurs against God ? 

— Have I hurt or wounded unnecessarily ; 

laughed at the poor or ignorant ; 
spoken against the wealthy or learned ? 
Have I misrepresented the clergy ? 

— Have I condemned error and sin ? Have I 
kindly entreated the sinner? Have I 
always told the truth ; acted the truth ? 
Have I deceived or flattered ; made 
others lie ; acted the hypocrite ? 

— Have I remembered that God " hateth who- 
soever maketh or loveth a lie " ? Have 
I ruled my tongue ; sought my own 
faults ; in humility corrected them ; 
recollected the condition of the Lord's 



FORM OF SELF EXAMINATION 1 75 



Prayer, "Forgive us our trespasses as 
we forgive those that trespass against 
us." 

Act of A mendment. 

OLORD, Who art the Way, the Truth and 
the Life, grant us so to follow the Example 
of Thy Holy Life, that we may come to 
Thy unspeakable joys which Thou hast laid up 
for those who love Thee. Amen. 

THE TENTH COMMANDMENT 

Contentment. 

{This teaches Discipline and Resignation^ and for- 
bids all Gluttony and Covetousness and all inordinate 
indulgence or desire for earthly things!) 

THOU shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, 
thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, 
nor his servant nor his maid, nor his ox 
nor his ass nor any thing that is his. 

— Have I been contented in that state of life unto 
which it has pleased God to call me ? 

— Have I been satisfied with what He has given 
me and believed that God knows best 
what is good for me? Have I been 
resigned to God's Will? 

— Have I disciplined myself ; driven away wrong 
ambitions : never tried to advance my- 
self save that I might serve God more, 
benefit my family or better use my 
talents ? 

—Have I unlawfully desired the goods or per- 
son of another, to gratify covetousness 



FORM OF SELF EXAMINATION 



or indulge sinful passion ; coveted the 
praise or prosperity, the comfort or suc- 
cess of others ; failed to rejoice at their 
good fortune, when God willed it ? 

Have I sought or thought too much of ease, 
luxury, comfort, riches or social posi- 
tion, forgetting that Christ lived on 
earth as a Carpenter, in poverty and 
privation, emptying Himself of the In- 
signia of His Divine Glory? 

Have I eaten or drank too much, too often, 
or of too costly a kind ; been too luxu- 
rious in my living ; gratified too much 
foolish desires ; spent too much time in 
pleasures and gayeties, forgetful that 
these lead away from God ? 

Have I been intoxicated or under the influ- 
ence of liquor ; led others to become 
so ; laughed at persons in this condi- 
tion, failed to rebuke them kindly, for- 
getting that the Scriptures say that 
those who commit "drunkenness and 
Yevellings and the like . . . shall not 
inherit the kingdom of God " Z 1 

Have I cultivated temperance, contentment, 
and cheerfulness, by self-denial, and 
self-discipline, enduring " hardness as 
a good soldier of Jesus Christ " ; 
Have I been patient and hopeful in 
sorrow and suffering, doubt and diffi- 
culty, trial and temptation ? 

Have I tried daily to think more of spiritual 
joys and less of earthly comforts ; 
learned gladly to do without things ; 
followed the words of God. 1 1 be content 
with such things as ye have " ? 3 

1 Galatians v. 21. 2 Hebrews xiii. 5. 



FORM OF SELF EXAMINATION 177 



— Have I thought of Death and Judgment, 
Heaven and Hell, that using the things 
of this world rightly, I might fit myself 
for life everlasting? 

Act of Amendment. 

ALMIGHTY God, grant us grace that we 
may cast away the works of darkness and 
put upon us the armour of light, now in the 
time of this mortal life, in which Thy Son Jesus 
Christ came to visit us in great humility ; that 
in the last day, when He shall come again in 
His Glorious Majesty to judge the quick and the 
dead, we may rise to the Life Immortal, through 
Him Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and 
the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen, 



A SHORT FORM OF PREPAR- 
ATION FOR HOLY 
COMMUNION. 

( This may be used by very young persons, by those of 
fanited leisure, and by those little used to forms of 
devotion.) 



PREPARATION. 

IN the Name *J« of the Father and of the 
Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Come, Holy Ghost, our Souls inspire, 
And lighten with Celestial Fire. 

OHOLY SPIRIT, be Thou in my mind 
that I may know all of my sins, in my 
heart that I may repent them, in my 
mouth that I may confess them, and obtain For- 
giveness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen. 

CLEANSE our consciences, we beseech Thee, 
O Lord, by Thy Visitation, that Thy 
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, when He 
cometh may find in us a mansion prepared for 
Himself, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, 
in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever 
and ever. Amen. 



i 7 8 



PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION 1 79 



SELF EXAMINATION. 

Have I believed in One God, Father, Son 
and Holy Ghost ; in the Incarnate Life 
of Jesus Christ ; and in all that God has 
taught in the Bible or through the Church ? 

Have I believed and trusted God's Love, Mercy, 
Goodness and Justice, and His Promise 
of salvation to all who are sorry for their 
sins ? 

Have I loved God with all my heart, with all 
my mind, with all my soul, and with all 
my strength? Have I been resigned to 
what He deems best, trying to do all for 
His Glory ? 

Have I loved my neighbour as myself, and, as 

far as possible, lived in love and charity 

with all men ? 
Have I sinned by Pride, Anger, Covetousness, 

Envy, Gluttony, (Drunkenness), Lust or 

Sloth ? 

Have I tried to keep God's Commandments ? 
Have I gone to Church, said my Prayers, and 

received the Holy Communion ? 
Have I done my work to the best of my ability, 

as in the Sight of God ? 
How specially have I done wrong? 
Have I sinned willingly or knowingly and am I 

truly sorry ? Am I repentant because I 

have sinned against God's Love, or only 

because I fear punishment ? 

ACT OF AMENDMENT. 

I WILL arise and go to my Father, and will 
say unto Him, Father, I have sinned 
against Heaven and before Thee, and am 
no more worthy to be called Thy son. 



l8o PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION 



CONFESSION. 

ALMIGHTY God, Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, I acknowledge and bewail 
my manifold sins and wickedness, which 
I from time to time most grievously have com- 
mitted by thought, word and deed against Thy 
Divine Majesty (and especially . . . here 
name your greatest faults). I do earnestly re- 
pent and am heartily sorry for these my mis- 
doings, and I beseech Thee to forgive me all 
that is past and to grant that I may ever here- 
after serve and please Thee in newness of life, 
to Thine Honour and Glory, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ACT OF CONTRITION. 

HAVE mercy upon me, O God, after Thy 
great goodness ; according to the mul- 
titude of Thy mercies do away mine 
offences. Wash me throughly from my wicked- 
ness and cleanse me from my sin. For I 
acknowledge my faults ; and my sin is ever 
before me. 

ACT OF FAITH, LOVE AND REPENTANCE. 

OMY God, I believe in Thee, I hope in 
Thee, I love Thee and I grieve that I 
have so often offended Thee by my sins. 

QUR Father, Who art in Heaven, etc. 

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 



PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION l8l 



O SAVIOUR of the world, Who by Thy 
Cross and Precious Blood hast Redeemed 
us, save us and help us, we humbly be- 
seech Thee, O Lord. 



psalm cxxx. 



OUT of the deep have I called unto Thee, O 
Lord: Lord, hear my voice. 
O let Thine ears consider well : the voice 
of my complaint. 
If Thou, O Lord, wilt be extreme to mark 
what is done amiss : O Lord, who may 
abide it ? 

For there is mercy with Thee : therefore shalt 

Thou be feared. 
I look for the Lord : my soul doth wait for 

Him ; in His Word is my trust. 
My soul fleeth unto the Lord : before the morn- 
ing watch, I say, before the morning watch. 
O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord 

there is mercy : and with Him is plenteous 

redemption. 
And He shall redeem Israel : from all his sins. 
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and 

to the Holy Ghost. 
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever 

shall be, world without end. Amen. 



THE Grace «^ of our Lord, Jesus Christ, 
the Love of God, and the Fellowship of 
the Holy Ghost be with us all evermore. 
Amen. 

(On the morning of communion, use the private 
prayers and follow the service as set forth, beginning 
page 1 06.) 



part mm 

Bails praters, 
Occasional ©ffices, 
IReaoings, /ifoeoltattons, 
ano Bppenolj 



183 



DAILY PRAYERS 



IN the Ancient Church, the faithful, following 
the words of the psalmist, " In the evening 
and morning and at noonday will I pray s" 1 
kept the third, sixth and ninth hours, known as 
the Apostolical Hours, as times of special prayer. 
The third hour, or nine o'clock, commemo- 
rated the time when our Lord was Nailed to 
the Cross, the sixth hour or twelve o'clock, the 
time when darkness came upon the earth, the 
ninth hour or three o'clock the time Christ 
Died. In the Mediaeval Church, other hours 
were added to afford the Monastic Orders addi- 
tional opportunity for devotion. These were 
called the Seven Canonical Hours, or Mattins 
(Prime) Lauds, Terce, Sext, Nones, Vespers 
and Compline. At the English Reformation, 
while the observance of these was in no wise 
discountenanced, a return was made to the 
Primitive Use by condensing and simplifying 
the Seven Mediseval Offices into the Services of 
Mattins and Evensong. As many persons will 
be unable to attend or read these Daily Offices, 
the following devotions are set forth to be used 
at home for Family or Private Prayer. 

1 Psalm lv. 18. 



185 



i86 



DAII<Y PRAYERS 



MORNING. 



IN the Name *i* of the Father and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen, 

QUR FATHER, Who art in Heaven, etc. 

ALMIGHTY God, we most heartily thank 
Thee for our creation, preservation and 
all the blessings of this life, for Thy lov- 
ing care and watchful providence over us all our 
days, and for having delivered us from all the 
dangers and perils of the past night, but above 
all things for Thine inestimable love in the re- 
demption of the world by our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ, for the means of Grace and for the 
hope of Glory. And we beseech Thee to accept 
this our morning sacrifice of praise and thanks- 
giving, continuing these Thy blessings to us and 
to all men, and taking us and all who are dear 
to us under Thy Fatherly care and protection. 
More especially we pray Thee to give us the 
grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that we, being un- 
feignedly thankful, may show forth our praise, 
not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving 
up ourselves to Thy service and by walking be- 
fore Thee in holiness and righteousness all our 
days: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 

THE grace ^ of our Lord Jesus Christ, and 
the Love of God and the Fellowship of 
the Holy Ghost be with us all evermore. 

Amen. 

( If time permits add Prayer beginning Page 192). 



DAILY PRAYERS 



I8 7 



Morning Hymn 

New every morning is the love 
Our waking and uprising prove ; 
Through sleep and darkness safely brought, 
Restored to life and power and thought. 

New mercies each returning day 

Hover around us while we pray ; 

New perils past, new sins forgiven, 

New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven. 

If, on our daily course, our mind 
Be set to hallow all we find, 
New treasures still of countless price 
God will provide for sacrifice. 

Old friends, old scenes will lovelier be 
As more of heaven in each we see ; 
Some softening gleam of love and prayer 
Shall dawn on every cross and care. 

The trivial round, the common task 
Will furnish all we need to ask ; 
Room to deny ourselves, a road 
To bring us daily nearer God. 

Only, O Lord, in Thy dear love, 
Fit us for perfect rest above ; 
And help us this and every day, 
To live more nearly as we pray. 1 

1 Hymn 1, American Hymnal. 



i88 



DAILY PRAYERS 



NOON 

IN the Name ^« of the Father, and of the Son 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen, 

QUR Father, Who art in Heaven, etc. 

Lord, Have mercy upon us. 

Christ, Have mercy upon us. 
Lord, Have mercy upon us, 

O BLESSED Jesus, we love Thee, we adore 
Thee, and we worship Thee, fastened to 
the Cross for us. As Thou wast nailed, 
stripped and crowned with thorns, may we cru- 
cify all vile affections, tear off our robe of pride 
and drive away all vain ambitions. O pray for us 
now and in the hour of our death, that follow- 
ing the Example of Thy most holy Life, we 
may come to those unspeakable joys, which 
Thou hast prepared for those who love Thee, 
Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost 
art to be worshipped and glorified unto the ages 
of ages. Amen. 

O SAVIOUR of the world, Who by Thy 
Cross and Precious Blood hast redeemed 
us, save us and help us, we humbly be- 
seech Thee, O Lord. 

THE Graced of our Lord Jesus Christ, and 
the Love of God and the Fellowship of the 
Holy Ghost be with us all evermore. 
Amen. 



I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD : THE 
GOOD SHEPHERD GIVETH HIS 
LIFE FOR THE SHEEP." 



DAILY PRAYERS 



189 



Midday Hymn 

O Jesu, Crucified for man, 

O Saint, all Glorious on Thy throne, 
Teach Thou our wandering thoughts to scan 

The Mystery of Thy love unknown. 

We pray Thee grant us strength to take 

Our daily cross, whate'er it be, 
And gladly for Thine Own dear Sake 

In paths of pain to follow Thee. 

As on our daily path we go, 

Through light or shade, in calm or strife, 
O ! May we bear Thy marks below 

In conquered sin and chastened life. 

And week by week this day we ask 
That holy memories of Thy Cross 

May sanctify each common task 
And turn to gain each earthly loss. 

Grant us, dear Lord, our cross to bear 
Till at Thy Feet we lay it down, 

Win through Thy Blood our pardon there, 
And through the cross attain the crown. 1 



1 Hymn 489, A. and M. 



190 



DAILY PRAYERS 



EVENING 



IN the Name 4* of the Father and of the Son 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

LET my prayer be set forth in Thy sight as 
the incense and let the lifting up of my 
hands be an evening sacrifice. 



UR Father, Who art in Heaven, etc. 



ALMIGHTY and most Merciful Father, we 
humbly pray Thee to have compassion 
upon our sins and infirmities, and grant 
that we being sincerely penitent and confessing 
them unto Thee, by Thine Infinite goodness 
and mercy may obtain forgiveness of the same. 
And we beseech Thee, grant us Grace so to re- 
sist the deceits of the world, the flesh and the 
devil, that we may live to Thine Honour and 
Glory in this present and in the world to come 
attain everlasting life, through the Merits and 
Mediation of Jesus Christ, ourSAViouR. Amen. 

ALMIGHTY God, we most heartily thank 
Thee for Thy goodness and loving kind- 
ness to us and to all men, for Thy Fatherly 
care and protection to us this day and for all 
the many blessings of the same, beseeching Thee 
that we may ever love and praise Thy Holy 
Name and follow Thee all the days of our life 
for the sake of Jesus Chrtst our Lord. Amen. 

THE Grace 4- of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and the love of God and the Fellowship 
of the Holy Ghost be with us all ever- 
more. Amen. 




DAILY PRAYERS 



Evening Hymn 

All praise to Thee, my God, this night, 
For all the blessings of the light. 
Keep me, O keep me, King of Kings, 
Beneath Thine Own Almighty wings. 

Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son 
The ill that I this day have done ; 
That with the world, myself and Thee 
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be. 

Teach me to live that I may dread 
The grave as little as my bed ; 
Teach me to die that so I may 
Rise glorious at the awful day. 

O, may my soul on Thee repose, 
And may sweet sleep mine eyelids close ; 
Sleep that shall me more vigorous make 
To serve my God when I awake. 

When in the night I sleepless lie, 
My soul with heavenly thoughts supply ; 
Let no ill dreams disturb my rest, 
No powers of darkness me molest. 

O, when shall I in endless day 
Forever chase dark sleep away, 
And hymns divine with angels sing 
All praise to Thee, Eternal King? 

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow 
Praise Him, all creatures here below ; 
Praise Him above, angelic host ; 
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 1 

1 Hymn 18, American Hymnal. 



192 



DAII,Y PRAYERS 



ADDITIONAL PRAYERS 

LIGHTEN our darkness, we beseech Thee, 
O Lord ; and by Thy great mercy defend 
us from all perils and dangers of this 
night ; for the love of Thine Only Son our Sav- 
iour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

I WILL lay me down in peace and take my 
rest for it is Thou Lord Only that makest 
me dwell in safety. 

DIRECT us, O Lord, in all our doings with 
Thy most gracious favour and further us 
with Thy continual help, that in all our 
works begun, continued and ended in Thee we 
may glorify Thy Holy Name, and finally by Thy 
mercy obtain everlasting life through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

WE beseech Thee, O Lord, pour Thy Grace 
into our hearts: that as we have known 
the Incarnation of Thy Son Jesus 
Christ by the message of an angel, so by His 
Cross and Passion we may be brought unto the 
glory of His Resurrection, through the same 
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

(For Ourselves) 

OLORD OF SOULS, Who hast chosen 
and called us to service in Thy Church, 
all our trust is in Thee, for in Thee are 
the springs of our life. Abundantly give us of 
Thy Blessed Spirit, without Whom nothing is 
strong, nothing is holy ; and use us as it shall 
please Thee for the Glory of Thy Name. Make 
our will patient, our conscience pure, our temper 



DAII.Y PRAYERS 



193 



bright. Empty us of self, and fill us with the 
meekness of wisdom. Increase our faith, mel- 
low our judgment, stir our zeal, enlarge our 
heart. Let our life enforce what our lips utter. 
Do Thou choose for us the work we do and the 
place in which we do it ; the success we win and 
the harvest we reap. Preserve us from jealousy 
and impatience, from self-will and depression. 
Make us faithful unto death and then give us the 
crown of life. All of which we ask for Jesus 
Christ's sake. Amen} 

(For Others) 

OMOST Merciful Father, look with pity, 
we beseech Thee, upon all those in sorrow, 
trouble, sickness, or distress, relieving 
them according to their several necessities, or 
else giving them patience to bear their troubles ; 
remember in mercy all sinners and criminals 
and all who have erred and strayed from Thy 
ways, giving them repentance and better minds ; 
have compassion upon all men, and pour into 
their hearts such love towards Thee that they 
may turn from their wickedness and follow 
Thee, the Only God, for the sake of our Lord 
and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

(For the Church and Parish) 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who 
dost govern all things in Heaven and 
Earth, mercifully hear the prayers and 
supplications of Thy people ; and grant unto 
the Church all things that are needful for her 
spiritual and temporal welfare. Strengthen and 

1 Adapted from Bishop Thorold. 

J 3 



194 



DAILY PRAYERS 



confirm the faithful ; visit and relieve the sick ; 
turn and soften the wicked ; rouse the careless ; 
raise the fallen ; restore the penitent ; remove 
all hindrances to the advancement of Thy 
truth and bring all to be of one heart and one 
soul within the fold of Thy Holy Church, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth 
and reigneth with Thee in the Unity of the 
Holy Ghost, ever One God world without 
end. Amen. 



O ALMIGHTY God, Father, Son and 
Holy Ghost, I numbly confess unto 
Thee that I have sinned against Thee this 
day by thought, word and deed, by omission 
and commission, by my fault, my own fault, 
my own most grievous fault, and especially 
(here name your sins. . . .). Forgive me, I be- 
seech Thee, and mercifully grant that loving 
Thee above all things, I may hate all that is sin- 
ful, and henceforth live to Thine Honour and 
Glory. Amen. 



I j tation of my heart be alway acceptable in 
Thy sight, O Lord : my Strength and my 
Redeemer. 



(Confession of Sin) 




words of my mouth and the medi- 



DAILY PRAYERS 



195 



DEVOTIONS FOR THE HOURS 

{Partly adapted from ancient sources) 



THE THIRD HOUR 
9 o'clock A.M. 

"And it was the third hour and they Crucified 
Him.' 1 ' 1 S. Mark xv. 25. 

IN the Name *%* of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Now that the daylight fills the sky 
We lift our hearts to God on high, 
That He in all we do or say, 
May keep us free from sin to-day. 

O Father, fill our hearts with love 
That we may seek the things above, 
Extinguish Thou each sinful fire 
And banish every wrong desire. 

O Father, that we ask be done 
Through Jesus Christ, Thine Only Son, 
Who with the Holy Ghost and Thee 
Doth live and reign eternally. 

O BLESSED Jesus, Who at this hour wast 
nailed unto the Cross, grant us henceforth 
so to crucify to ourselves all that draws 
us away from Thee, that serving and pleasing 
Thee in this life, we may rise to the Life Im- 
mortal. Amen. 



196 



DAILY PRAYERS 



QUR Father, Who art in Heaven, etc. 

J BELIEVE in God, etc. 

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 

DIRECT us, O Lord, in all our doings with 
Thy most gracious favour and further us 
with Thy continual help, that in all our 
works begun, continued and ended in Thee, we 
may glorify Thy holy Name, and finally by Thy 
mercy obtain everlasting life through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

MAY the Lord of His Mercy grant unto us 
and all of His faithful servants rest and 
peace. Amen. 

THE Grace ^ of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and the Love of God and the Fellowship of 
the Holy Ghost be with us all evermore. 
Amen. 



DAII,Y PRAYERS 



197 



THE SIXTH HOUR 

Noon 

"And when the sixth hour was come there was dark- 
ness over all the land." S. Mark xv. 33. 

IN the Name *i* of the Father, and of the 
Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

O Lord, Almighty King of Kings, 
Creator of created things, 
Who from the morn till even's ray 
Through every change dost guide the day. 

Grant us, when this short life is past, 
The glorious evening that shall last, 
When by a holy life attained, 
Eternal Glory shall be gained. 

O Father, that we ask be done 
Through Jesus Christ, Thine Only Son, 
Who with the Holy Ghost and Thee 
Shall live and reign eternally. 

O GRACIOUS Saviour, Who didst bear our 
sins upon the Tree, and didst hang upon 
the Cross in the dense darkness of Cal- 
vary, be Thou our Light amid all the changes 
and chances of this mortal life, that looking unto 
Thee, the Author of our salvation, we, in the 
world to come, may rest in the Glory of the 
heavenly mansions which Thou hast prepared for 
those who unfeignedly love Thee. Amen. 



SHORT PRAYERS 



^^UR Father, Who art in Heaven, etc. 

J BELIEVE in God, etc. 

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 



O SAVIOUR of the world, Who by Thy Cross 
and Precious Blood hast redeemed us, 
save us and help us, we humbly beseech 
Thee, O Lord. Amen. 



MAY the Lord of His Mercy grant unto us 
and all of His faithful servants rest and 
peace. Amen. 



THE Grace ^ of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and the Love of God, and the Fellowship 
of the Holv Ghost be with us all ever- 
more. Amen. 



SHORT PRAYKRS 



199 



THE NINTH HOUR. 

3 o'clock, P. M. 

" A nd at the ninth hour JESUS cried with a loud voice 
. . . and gave up the Ghost." — S. Mark xv. 34-37. 

IN the Name ^ of the Father, and of the 
Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen, 

As now the sun's declining rays 

Towards the eve descend, 
Go life's brief day is sinking down 

To its appointed end. 

Lord, on the Cross Thine Arms were 
stretched 

To draw us to the sky; 
O grant us then the Cross to love 

And in those Arms to die. 

To God the Father, God the Son, 
And God the Holy Ghost, 

All Glory be from Saints on earth 
And from the Angel Host. 1 

O LOVING Master, Who at this hour didst 
commend Thy Spirit into the Hands of 
the Heavenly Father and didst die upon 
the Cross for us, so assist us with Thy Grace, and 
wash us in Thy Blood, now and in the hour of 
our death, that at the last day we maybe received 
into Thine everlasting Kingdom, where the souls 
of the faithful departed rest in peace, to reign 
with Thee in heavenly Glory unto the ages of 
ages. Amen. 



1 Paris Breviary. 



200 



SHORT PRAYERS 



^^UR Father, Who art in Heaven, etc. 
J BELIEVE in God, etc. 

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 

STIR up, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the 
wills of Thy faithful people, that they 
plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good 
works may by Thee be plenteously rewarded. 
Amen. 



MAY the Lord of His Mercy grant unto us 
and all of His faithful servants rest and 
peace. Amen. 

THE Grace ^ of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and the Love of God, and the Fellowship 
of the Holy Ghost be with us all ever- 
more. A?nen. 



SHORT SILENT PRAYERS 



(// is helpful to offer up ejaculatory or silent prayer 
to God as a means of remembering GOD'S Presence 
and comforting ourselves.) 



On arising: " I laid me down and slept and 
rose up again, for the Lord sustained 
me." 

On hearing a clock: "Watch therefore, for ye 
know neither the day nor the hour where- 
in the Son of Man Cometh." 1 

When tempted: "Let the words of my mouth 
and the meditation of my heart be alway 
acceptable in Thy Sight, O Lord, my 
Strength and my Redeemer." 2 

" Lead us not into temptation, but de- 
liver us from evil." 

In danger : " I will lift up mine eyes unto the 
hills ; from whence cometh my help." 3 
" The Lord Himself is thy keeper." 4 

In doubt: 14 In Thee, O Lord, have I put my 
trust." 5 

" Lord, I believe ; help Thou my un- 
belief." 6 



1 S. Matthew xxv. 13. 

2 Psalm xix^ 14-15. 

3 Psalm cxxi. 1. 



4 Psalm cxxi. 5. 
6 Psalm lxxi. 1. 
6 S. Mark ix. 24. 



202 SHORT SII/ENT PRAYERS 

In sickness: " Thou shalt not be afraid for any 
terror by night . . . nor for the sick- 
ness that destroyeth in the noonday." 1 

"Father, if Thou be willing, remove 
this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my 
will but Thine be done." 2 

At sea: "It is the Lord that commandeth the 
waters." 3 

44 Thou rulest the raging of the sea." 4 
" He maketh the storm to cease : so 
that the waves thereof are still . . . 
and so He bringeth them to the haven 
where they would be." 5 

When travelling: ' 1 The Lord preserve my go- 
ing out and coming in from this time 
forth forevermore." 

At a beautiful scene: " The heavens declare the 
Glory of God and the firmament showeth 
His handiwork," 6 

"O Lord, how manifold are Thy 
works : in wisdom Thou hast made them 
all : the earth is full of Thy riches." 7 

" O that men would therefore praise 
the Lord for His Goodness and declare 
the wonders that He doeth for the children 
of men." 8 

To recollect God's Presence: 1 ' Be still then and 
know that I am God." 9 

"Unto Thee, O Lord, will I lift up 
my soul." 10 



1 Psalm xci. part 5 and 6. 

2 S. Luke xxii. 42. 

3 Psalm xxix. 3 

* Psalm lxxxix. part 10. 
6 Psalm cvii. 29-30. 



6 Psalm xix. 1. 

7 Psalm civ. 24. 

8 Psalm cvii. 31. 

9 Psalm xlvi. jo. 

10 Psalm xxv. i. 



SHORT SILENT PRAYERS 203 



Before sleeping: " Father, into Thy Hands I 
commend my spirit," 1 

At a Funeral : 

M Lord, all pitying, Jesu Blest, 

Grant them Thine Eternal Rest." 
tk Teach me to live that I may dread 

The grave as little as my bed. 

Teach me to die that so I may 

Rise glorious at the Judgment Day." 2 



1 S. Luke xxiii. 46. 



2 Bishop Ken. 



INTERCESSION 



OUR Blessed Lord in His Life and Death 
set us the example and taught us the 
virtue of praying for others, and now in 
His Glory at the Right Hand of the Father in 
Heaven, " He ever liveth to make intercession 
for us" 1 To be like Him we must obey His 
words: " pray one for another 2 Then the Voice 
of Jesus will speak in us, and we as well as 
those for whom we pray will be blessed in our 
intercessions at the Throne of Grace. Either 
our own devotions or liturgical prayers may be 
used, or we may simply make mention of our 
desired petitions and say the Lord's Prayer 
with intention. The following Short Office may 
be found helpful. 

OFFICE OF INTERCESSION 

IN the Name *f of the Father and of the 
Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

/^vUR FATHER, Who art in Heaven, etc. 




Lord, Have mercy upon us. 

Christ, Have mercy upon us. 
Lord, Have mercy upon us. 



1 Hebrews vii. 25. 2 S. James v. 16. 



204 



INTERCESSION 



205 



ALMIGHTY God, Ruler of all things and 
Giver of all good gifts, look with mercy, 
we beseech Thee, upon us Thy servants 
and hearken to our prayers which we offer unto 
Thee for all Estates in the Catholic Church, 
granting them all such things as Thou seest to 
be best for them. And especially we pray Thee, 
look with compassion and regard with favour 
Thy Holy Church Universal, the Anglican Com- 
munion, our Bishops and other Clergy, our Mis- 
sions throughout the world, our country and 
rulers, our families and friends, our enemies and 
detractors, the poor and afflicted, the sick 
and sorrowful, the dead and dying, all sinners and 
criminals, those in danger or peril, in trial and 
temptation, and all others for whom we ought 
to pray. Grant all to turn to Thee in faith, 
love, and repentance, that steadfastly serving 
Thee in this world, they may reign with Thee 
in Glory in the world to come. All of which we 
ask through the Merits and Mediation of Jesus 
Christ, Thine Only Son, our Lord. Amen. 

O SAVIOUR of the World, Who by Thy 
Cross and Precious Blood hast Redeemed 
us, save us and help us we humbly be- 
seech Thee, O Lord. Amen. 

(Or the following may be said: ) 

ALMIGHTY God, Whose Kingdom is Ever- 
lasting and Whose Power is Infinite, from 
Whom cometh every good and perfect 
gift, look with compassion, we beseech Thee, 
upon those for whom we desire Thy heavenly 
blessing. Regard not their offences or short- 
comings, but raise up the Arm of Thy Power 



206 



INTERCESSION 



and come among them, granting them all such 
things as Thou seest them to need or is best for 
them. Grant, O Lord, that Thy Holy Church 
Universal may be ruled and governed in the 
right way, bringing all to be of one heart and 
mind within her borders. Bless the Anglican 
Communion, that earnestly contending for the 
Faith once delivered to the Saints, she may win 
many souls to Thine Honour and Glory. Prosper 
all Missions, that the number of Thine elect may 
soon be accomplished. Illuminate all Bishops 
and other Clergy {especially . . . ) that by their 
preaching and living they may set forward the 
salvation of all men and be faithful ministers of 
Thy Word and Sacraments. Watch over our 
country that it may be preserved from all dan- 
ger and peril, and our rulers that they may 
govern righteously and holily. Have mercy 
upon our families {especially . . . ) and friends 
{especially . . . ), granting them health and happi- 
ness, and rich measure of Thy Grace to live ac- 
cording to Thy Word and Commandments. 
Have pity upon our enemies, and bring all Thy 
people to dwell here in love and charity. Look 
with compassion upon the poor, the afflicted, the 
sick and the suffering {especially . . . ), relieving 
them according to their several necessities, or 
else giving them patience to bear their troubles. 
Give Thy Heavenly comfort to the dying and 
wash them from all their sins in the Precious 
Blood of Jesus. Remember the dear departed 
and let them rest in peace, and let light per- 
petual shine upon them. Look upon all sinners 
and criminals and bring them to repentance and 
better minds. Regard those that are in danger 
and peril and raise up Thy might to save and 
succour them. Help those in trial and tempta- 



INTERCESSION 



207 



tion and suffer them not to faint or falter in 
their hour of need. Drive out from us all crime 
and corruption and make all Thy children to 
worship Thee in spirit and in truth. O Most 
Merciful Father, grant these petitions, we be- 
seech Thee, and give to us who have prayed and 
to those for whom we pray the Grace of Thy 
Holy Spirit, that henceforth we may walk be- 
fore Thee in holiness and righteousness and be 
brought to those heavenly mansions, where 
with Thine Only Begotten Son and Thy Most 
Holy Spirit Thou art to be worshipped, hon- 
oured and glorified unto the ages of ages. Amen. 



PRAYERS BEFORE A JOURNEY 

{Considerably adapted from the Ancient Itinerarium.) 



IN the Name ^ of the Father and of the Son 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Antiphon : Into the way of peace and pros- 
perity. 

The Benedictus. S. Luke i. 68-79. 

Antiphon : Into the way of peace and prosper- 
ity, may the Almighty and Merciful God 
direct us that we may return to our homes 
in joy and happiness. 

^^UR Father, Who art in Heaven, etc. 

Lord, have mercy upon us. 
Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 

O Lord, save Thy servants. 

Who put their trust in Thee. 
Be unto us, O Lord, a strong tower. 

From the enemy deliver us. 
Let no evil approach to harm us, O Lord. 

But guard us from all danger and peril. 

208 



PRAYERS BEFORE A JOURNEY 2og 



Blessed be the Lord, our Governour. 

May our journey be safe and prosperous. 
Show us Thy ways, O Lord. 

And teach us Thy paths, 
O that our ways may be so direct 

That iv e may ever keep Thy Statutes. 
O God, give Thine Angels charge concerning us 

To keep us in all Thy ways, 
O Lord, hear our prayer. 

And let our crying co?ne unto Thee. 

OGOD, Who didst guide the children of 
Israel by a pillar of Cxoud and fire, and 
didst lead the Wise Men by the shining 
of a star, be to us, we beseech Thee, a Light to 
lighten our darkness. And if it be Thy will, 
grant us a safe and prosperous journey, a bright 
and happy time, a safe arrival at the place where 
we would be and in Thy good season bring us 
to the haven of eternal salvation, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

OLORD, we beseech Thee, take us Thy 
servants under Thy loving care and pro- 
tection. Be to us a light in setting out, 
a comfort in the way, a shadow in the heat, a 
covering from the cold, a refuge from the storm, 
a chariot in weariness, a protection in danger, a 
staff in slippery places, that through Thy guid- 
ance we may reach our journey's end in safety 
and return to our homes in peace, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ASSIST us mercifully, O Lord, in these our 
prayers and supplications and dispose the 
way of Thy servants towards the attain- 
ment of everlasting salvation ; that among all 



2IO PRAYERS BEFORE A JOURNEY 



the changes and chances of this mortal life we 
may ever be defended by Thy most gracious and 
ready help ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
A men. 

Let us go forth in peace. 

In the Name of the Lord, Amen. 

{On returning.) 

MOST gracious Lord, Whose mercy is over 
all Thy works, we praise Thy Holy 
Name that Thou hast been pleased to 
conduct in safety through the perils of the great 
deep {or of the land) us, Thy servants, who 
now desire to return thanks unto Thee. May 
we be duly sensible of- Thy Merciful Providence 
towards us, and ever express our thankfulness 
by a holy trust in Thee, and obedience to Thy 
laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

{A Prayer for others.') 

O ETERNAL God, Who alone spreadest 
out the Heavens, and rulest the raging of 
the sea, and ever watchest with Thy Lov- 
ing Eye : we commend to Thine Almighty Pro- 
tection Thy servants for whose preservation on 
the great deep (or on the land) we pray. Guard 
them we beseech Thee from all dangers which 
may await them, from sickness, from the vio- 
lence of enemies, and from every evil to which 
they may be exposed. Conduct them in safety 
to the haven where they would be, with a grate- 
ful sense of all Thy Mercies, through Jesus 
Christ our Lozd. Amen. 



CONFIRMATION 



CONFIRMATION is not lightly to be en- 
tered upon, but should be carefully pre- 
pared for. The whole being, mind, 
body, and soul, should be fitted for the new- 
privileges. This preparation may be indicated 
by the following : 

(1) The preparation of the body: This is the 
withdrawing from all delights or pleasures which 
appeal to our lower nature, or draw us away from 
spiritual things. It is specially guarding against 
the temptations of the flesh. In the case of an 
adult, fasting is expected as in Baptism. 1 Fast- 
ing is by Divine command and experience has 
proved it most helpful in the cultivation of the 
spiritual life. 

(2) The preparation of the mind: This is two- 
fold, first looking away from the temptations of 
the world, secondly contemplating the things of 
God. The mind must be emptied of worldly 
thoughts, and filled with the teachings of the 
Church. These are generally summed up in 
the Catechism, which should be known and 
understood. The Office of Confirmation, which 
explains itself, should also be read over, and 

1 See Rubric in Baptismal Office. 

211 



212 



CONFIRMATION 



Instructions like or similar to those in this little 
book should be studied. 

(3) The preparation of the soul: This is on the 
one hand resisting the deceits of the Devil, and 
on the other the cultivation of faith, hope, and 
charity. It implies Conversion, which is simply 
the turning towards God and seeking to do His 
Will. This is shown in the desire to be con- 
firmed. The preparation of the soul is also 
assisted by self-examination, prayer, and con- 
fession of sin. The Forms for preparing for 
Holy Communion will be found helpful, as those 
Confirmed are expected shortly afterwards to 
make a First Communion. The following Office 
may also be used. 

SHORT DAILY OFFICE IN PREPARA- 
TION FOR CONFIRMATION 

IN the Name ^ of the Father and of the Son 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

T 7ENI Creator. See page 85. 



J BELIEVE in God, etc. 

{Here say Psalms xv., xxv.^ xxiii., Ixxxiv., cxxz.^ 
cxxii., cxix.^ Ixiii., one or all as time permits?) 

DIRECT us, O Lord, in all our doings, with 
Thy Most Gracious Favour and further us 
with Thy continual help (and especially in 
this my preparation for receiving the Sacrament 





UR Father, Who art in Heaven, etc. 



CONFIRMATION 



213 



of Confirmation), that in all our works, begun, 
continued and ended in Thee, we may glorify 
Thy Holy Name and finally by Thy Mercy ob- 
tain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. Amen. 

WE beseech Thee, O Lord, pour Thy Grace 
into our hearts that as we have known the 
Incarnation of Thy Son Jesus Christ 
by the message of an Angel, so by His Cross and 
Passion we may be brought unto the Glory of 
His Resurrection, through the same Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

O ALMIGHTY Lord, and everlasting God, 
vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to direct, 
sanctify, and govern, both our hearts and 
bodies, in the ways of Thy laws, and in the 
works of Thy commandments ; that, through 
Thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, 
we may be preserved in body and soul, through 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 

OGOD Who didst teach the hearts of Thy 
faithful people by sending to them the 
light of Thy Holy Spirit, grant us by 
the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all 
things and evermore to rejoice in His Holy 
Comfort, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen. 

OMY God, I believe in Thee, I hope in 
Thee, I love Thee, and I am sorry that I 
have so often offended Thee by my sins. 

THE grace *i* of our Lord Jesus Christ and 
the Love of God and the Fellowship of the 
Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. 
Amen. 



A FORM OF CONFESSION TO GOD 

{In the presence of a Priest^) 



IN the Name ^ of the Father and of the Son 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Penitent : Father, give me thy blessing, for I 
have sinned. 

Priest : The Lord be with thy heart and lips 
that thou mayst humbly and faithfully 
confess thy sins, in the Name of the 
Father and of the Son and of the Holy 
Ghost. Amen. 

CONFESSION 

Penitent: I confess unto God Almighty, the 
Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, 
Three Persons in One God, and to you, 
father, that I have sinned exceedingly by 
thought, word and deed, through my fault, 
my own fault, my own most grievous fault, 
and especially (since my last confession) I 
accuse myself 

{Here follows the detailed confession^) 

For these and all my other sins which I can- 
not now remember or know not of, I am 
heartily sorry and most firmly purpose 
amendment, numbly asking of God pardon 



214 



A FORM OF CONFESSION TO GOD 215 



and forgiveness, with space to lead a better 
life, and of you, my father, penance, coun- 
sel and absolution. Wherefore I beseech 
God, the Father Almighty, His Only Be- 
gotten Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy 
Ghost to have mercy upon me, and you 
father, to pray for me unto the Lord. 
Amen. 

{Then answer the following questions.) 

Priest Dost thou truly repent of all thy sins, 
with a firm purpose to commit them no 
more ? 

Hast thou true faith in God's Mercy 
through Christ, that He is ever ready to 
pardon thee ? 

Art thou in love and charity with all 
men, forgiving as thou dost hope to be for- 
given ? 

THE ABSOLUTION. 

MAY the Almighty Lord grant thee absolu- 
tion and remission of all thy sins, space 
for amendment of life, and grace and 
comfort of His Holy Spirit. 

OUR Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath left 
power to His Church to absolve all sin- 
ners who truly repent and believe in Him, 
of His great Mercy forgive thee thine .offences. 
And by His Authority committed unto me, I 
absolve thee from all thy sins in the Name of the 
Father and of the Son and of the Holy 
Ghost. Amen. 

[Then make an Act of Contrition {beginning page 94) 
and use the Devotions {beginning page c$) and add Psalm 
ciii. as a Thanksgiving for Absolution?^ 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNION 



{In case of sickness or in the event of residing where 
the Holy Eucharist is rarely celebrated, a spiritual 
communion may be made with comfort and profit.} 

IN the Name *%• of the Father and of the Son 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Antiphon : O that men would praise the Lord 
for His Goodness. 

{Here say Psalm xliii, on page 107.) 

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 



Antiphon : O that men would praise the Lord 
for His Goodness and declare the wonders 
that He doeth for the children of men ! 

{Then read the Collect, the Epistle, the Gospel, the 
Creed, the Prayer for the Church and the Confession 
as set forth in the Office of Holy Communion, and in 
place of what then follows say :) 

OMOST Blessed Saviour, I cannot now re- 
ceive Thee in the Holy Mysteries, but I 
raise my soul unto Thee and pray that 
Thou wilt visit me in mercy and forgiveness. 




UR Father, Who art in Heaven, etc. 



216 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNION 2\*] 



O cleanse me from sin and' grant unto me Thy 
Grace, so that being made one with Thee on 
earth, I may be Thine forever in the world to 
come. Amen. 

(A few minutes should be spent in thinking of the 
Sacrifice of CHRIST and of the benefits received in the 
Holy Sacrament of His BODY and BLOOD. Then con- 
clude by saying the LORD'S Prayer, the Gloria in Ex- 
celsis, and Psalm xxiii.) 

THE Grace »fr of our Lord Jesus Christ, and 
the Love of God and the Fellowship of the 
Holy Ghost be with us all evermore. 

Amen. 



MEDITATIONS 



ON THE 

HOLY COMMUNION 

{These may be used at anytime, or specially at the 
seasons designated. The thoughts suggested may be ex- 
panded as devotion directs or time permits. It would 
be helpful to meditate in this way before each Com- 
munion^) 

The Apostles had a daily Eucharist, and that 
must ever be the ideal of the Christian. Fre- 
quent Communions should increase our love and 
devotion and so make it easier to make a careful 
preparation. The spiritual life needs Sacra- 
mental Food as much as the body requires nat- 
ural food, and it is a grievous loss to the soul, 
whenever attendance for worship is substituted 
for Communion. To offer the Eucharistic Sac- 
rifice necessarily involves actual Communion. 
Otherwise the Offering is incomplete. While 
only the Celebrating Priest is subject to the ob- 
ligation to receive, it should be clearly realized 
by all others who are present, that without Com- 
munion they may join in the worship but cannot 
assist at the Offering. This is a primary princi- 
ple of Sacramental teaching. In the Celebrat- 
ing Priest and in those who communicate with 
him, we see those who are actually offering, 
those who are engaged in the supreme act of our 
most holy religion. In others who are present, 



218 



MEDITATIONS 



219 



we see those who as members of the Church are 
assembled at the great Offering of her solemn 
Oblation, to join in the Prayers of the Church, 
to worship the Lord of the Church. Such pre- 
sence can never be without help and profit both 
to the Church and to the individual, and it is 
strongly to be commended, especially when one 
has already received the Sacrament at an Early 
Celebration or has found it impossible then to 
attend. Yet whether one is or is not able to 
follow it, the ideal of the Book of Common 
Prayer should ever be realized and remembered : 
To communicate on Sundays, Saints' Days and 
Holy Days, for all of which a service is provided 
in our Liturgy, and on special occasions, as on 
a birthday, before a journey, or taking some 
solemn step. The frequent reception of the 
Blessed Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood 
should bear rich fruit in our spiritual life. 



220 



MEDITATIONS 



I. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS A PREPARATION 
FOR CHRIST. 

(Advent.) 

Preparation. 

Who comes? Our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, Who though God became Man, 
the Word made Flesh, Who came once 
in humility, Who comes now in Grace and 
Who will come at the Last Day in Judg- 
ment. 

To whom does He come ? To us who are led 
away by the deceits of the world, the flesh 
and the devil, who are sore let and hindered 
in running the race that is set before us. 

For what does He come? That we may cast 
away the works of darkness and put upon 
us the armour of light, that when He shall 
come again at the Last Day, we may rise to 
the life immortal. 

Aspiration : " Even so come, Lord Jesus." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Him coming in the Blessed Sacra- 
ment to fit us for His coming at the Last 
Day. 

II. Pray that by a holy life we may so prepare 
for death that we will await His coming in 
joy. 

III. Resolve by His Grace to live henceforth to 
His Glory. 

Aspiration : "Blessed is He that cometh in 
the Name of the Lord." 



MEDITATIONS 



221 



II. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS A SACRAMENT. 

(Christmas-Day.) 
Preparation. 
Who comes ? The Word made Flesh ; He Who 
dwelling in the Glory of God in Heaven 
humbled Himself to live as Man on earth ; 
He Who walketh upon the wings of the 
wind yet lay in the Manger as the Babe of 
Bethlehem. 

To whom does He come ? To us with little faith 

and little love, who care for earthly things ; 

who see " through a glass darkly." 
For what does He come ? To be known to us in 

the Breaking of the Bread, to dwell with 

those who love and adore Him. 
Aspiration : "I will sing of the Lord, because 

He hath dealt so lovingly with me : yea I 

will praise the Name of the Lord most 

highest." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Him God and Man, veiled in the 
Holy Eucharist, even as the Glory of the 
Godhead was hidden at the Incarnation. 

II. Pray for faith, love and humility, the 
better to receive Him in the Holy Com- 
munion. 

III. Resolve henceforth to live to Jesus, and 
with celestial choirs chant the Heavenly 
Hymn, " Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of 
Hosts, Heaven and Earth are full of Thy 
Glory." 

Aspiration : " Let us now go even unto Beth- 
lehem and see this thing which is come to 
pass, which the Lord hath made known 
unto us." 



222 



MEDITATIONS 



III. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS REVEALING CHRIST, 
(Epiphany.) 

Preparation, 

Who comes ? Jesus Christ, the Word made 
Flesh, the Son of God, Who by the leading 
of a star brought the Gentiles to His 
Manger Bed, and manifested Himself to 
them as their Saviour King. 

To whom does He come? To us who so often 
misuse the Grace of God, who care little for 
the unsearchable riches of Christ, who 
unlike the Wise Men journeying from afar, 
go with but halting steps to worship Him in 
the Sacrament. 

For what does He come ? That we may know 
Him now by faith and after this life behold 
Him revealed in His Glory in Heaven. 

Aspiration : " We praise Thee O God, we ac- 
knowledge Thee to be the Lord." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Him, worshipped by the Wise Men, 
as Prophet, Priest and King, as in lowly 
adoration they offer the Holy Infant their 
gifts of gold, frank incense and myrrh, 
Him Who comes in the Holy Mysteries. 

II. Pray that we too may do Him reverence, 
as we kneel before Him. 

III. Resolve to show forth Christ in holy liv- 
ing, that in us He may be revealed to others. 

Aspiration : " Let my prayer be set forth in 
Thy Sight as the incense," 



MEDITATIONS 



223 



IV. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS UNION WITH CHRIST. 

(Lent.) 
Preparation. 

Who conies ? Our Lord, Who fasted forty days 
and forty nights in the wilderness, tempted 
by the Devil. Who, though Perfect God 
became Perfect Man, that He might be in 
all things like unto us, yet without sin. 

To whom does He come ? To us who 44 live in a 
barren and dry land where no water is," to 
us who need to watch and pray that we en- 
ter not into Temptation. 
For what does He come ? That fasting from the 
world we may feast with Him ; that He 
may dwell in us and we in Him ; that by 
this union He may give strength to conquer 
sin. 

Aspiration : 14 Lord I am not worthy that 
Thou shouldst come under my roof." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Him the Bread of Life as He comes 
to us in the Holy Communion to make us 
one with Him. 

II. Pray that Lent may make us more worthy 
of these Holy Mysteries, that henceforth 
we may approach with love, longing and 
adoration. 

III. Resolve to watch and pray, that we may 
be pure in heart as Jesus deigns to dwell 
with us. 

Aspiration : " My soul thirsteth for Thee, my 
flesh longeth after Thee, in a barren and dry 
land where no water is." 



224 



MEDITATIONS 



V. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS A SACRIFICE. 

(Holy Week.) 

Preparation. 

Who comes ? The Saviour, Whose Blood was 
shed for us, Who endured the Cross and 
Passion, suffering as Man, atoning as God, 
that He might make by that one Oblation of 
Himself, once offered, 44 a full, perfect and 
sufficient sacrifice, oblation and satisfaction 
for the sins of the whole world." 

To whom does He come ? To us who often cru- 
cify Jesus by our sins, to us who being sinful 
have no good thing of our own to offer, who 
are empty before God. 

For what does He come ? That we may plead 
Christ's Sacrifice before the Father, and 
through His Merits and Mediation may 
offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiv- 
ing, that His Righteousness may be imparted 
unto us, and we may be cleansed from sin. 

Aspiration : 44 God be merciful to me a sinner." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Him led as a sheep to the slaughter, 
with His garments red in His Own Precious 
Blood, and remember that the Holy Com- 
munion is the pleading of that Sacrifice. 

II. Pray that we may bear our Cross of self- 
discipline and may consecrate ourselves to 
His Service. 

III. Resolve to crucify all vile affections. 
Aspiration : 44 By Thy Cross and Passion, Good 

Lord deliver us." 



MEDITATIONS 



225 



VI. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS THE FORGIVENESS 
OF SINS. 

(Easter.) 

Preparation. 

Who comes? Jesus Christ, Who Rose from the 
dead " with healing in His wings," the "very 
Paschal Lamb which was offered for us, and 
hath taken away the sin of the world." 

To whom does He come ? To us to whom 4 ' the 
burden of sin is intolerable," who bowed 
down by its weight seek the Saviour that 
He may say: 44 Depart in peace, thy sins be 
forgiven thee." 

For what does He come ? To answer our prayer, 
to make us participate in the Redemption 
He hath won by His Death and Passion, to 
absolve us from our sin and feed us with the 
saving gifts of His Body and Blood. 

Aspiration : " Praise the Lord, O my soul, and 
forget not all His Benefits. Who forgiveth 
all thy sins and healeth all thine infirmities." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Christ the Great High Priest, as 
Risen from the Dead, He says, " I am the 
Resurrection and the Life," and blesses us 
with His Own Glorified Body and Blood, 
Mystically received in the Holy Com- 
munion. 

II. Pray that we may rise to a holier life and 
at the last day may shine as the stars in 
Heaven. 

III. Resolve to make our salvation sure by 
ever seeking His Grace in the Sacrament. 

Aspiration : 44 My Lord and My God." 
is 



226 



MEDITATIONS 



VII. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS OUR LIFE. 

(Ascension.) 
Preparation. 

Who co??ies ? Our Lord, Who Ascended into 
Heaven and Sitteth at the Right Hand of 
God on High ; the King of Glory, Who yet 
deigns to come to us in the Holy Eucharist. 

To whom does He come ? To us of the earth, 
earthy, who mind not heavenly things, whose 
spiritual life needs uplifting. 

For what does He come ? To give us life in 
Him, to renew the gift of Divine Life, that 
as He Ascended into the Heavens, so we in 
heart and mind may thither ascend and con- 
tinually dwell with Him. 

Aspiration : " O Lord to whom shall we go : 
Thou hast the words of Eternal Life." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Him Who Ascended through the 
choirs of Angels as they sang : " Lift up 
your heads, O ye gates and be ye lift up ye 
everlasting doors, and the King of Glory 
shall come in." 

II. Pray that the gates of our hearts and the 
doors of our souls may open, that He may 
enter and give us Eternal Life. 

III. Resolve so to use His Grace that "when 
Christ Who is our Life shall appear, then 
shall ye also appear with Him in Glory." 

Aspiration: " My soul hath a desire and long- 
ing to enter into the courts of the Lord." 



MEDITATIONS 



227 



VIII. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS OUR LIGHT. 
(Whitsunday.) 

Preparation. 

Who comes ? Christ, The Light of the World, 
Whom the Holy Ghost testified is the 
Son of God, in Whose Name the Father 
sent the Holy Ghost on Pentecost, to 
guide the Church unto the ages of ages. 

To whom does He come ? To us who dwell in 
darkness and the shadow of death, who 
need a Light to lighten our path. 

For what does He come ? That being our Light, 
and illuminating our minds, we may have a 
right judgment in all things, and like Wise 
Virgins may have Him, the Light, burning 
within us, revealing to us the Word of Truth. 

Aspiration : " Thy Word is a lantern unto my 
feet : and a light unto my paths." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Him in the Glory and Splendour of 
the Heavenly Places, adored by the Angelic 
Host, sending His Holy Spirit upon us. 

II. Pray that we may evermore dwell in the 
light, illumined by His Brightness. 

III. Resolve to let the Holy Spirit ever lead 
us nearer Him that at last we may see God's 
Beautiful Face in the Glory Everlasting. 

Aspiration : '* Come Holy Ghost, our souls 
inspire : And lighten with celestial fire." 



228 MEDITATIONS 
IX. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS OUR LOVE. 
(Trinity.) 

Preparation. 

Who comes? Christ, Who said, "Love one 
another," Who declared, " God is Love," 
Who gives Himself to us in these Holy 
Mysteries. 

To whom does He come? To us given to un- 
charitable thoughts, who little love God or 
man, to whom Jesus says, " How can they 
love God whom they have not seen, if they 
love not their brother, whom they have 
seen." 

For what does He come ? That giving us Him- 
self, Who is Love, we may have Grace to 
acknowledge the Glory of the Eternal Trin- 
ity, One God, in Three Persons, Father, 
Son and Holy Ghost, Who is our Love 
Light and Life, and may love all men as 
God's children. 

Aspiration : " Unto Thee, O Lord, will I lift 
up my soul." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Jesus holding forth His Pierced 
Hands, pleading, blessing, and saying 
" Love one another." 

II. Pray for His Love, that we may say, " The 
love of Christ constraineth me." 

III. Resolve to seek this Grace in the Sacrament 
and to live in love and charity with all men. 

Aspiration: "O that men would therefore 
praise the Lord for His Goodness and de- 
clare the wonders that He doeth for the 
children of men," 



MEDITATIONS 



229 



X. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS OUR STRENGTH. 

Preparation. 

Who comes ? Our Lord, Who hath showed 
strength with His Arm, Whose Name is the 
Lord of Hosts, to Whom all things in 
Heaven and earth do bow. 

To whom does He come ? To us whose spirit is 
willing but whose flesh is weak, who are 
sadly struggling against besetting sins, un- 
able of ourselves to resist. 

For what does He come ? That strong in His 
Strength and full of His Grace, we may 
" go from strength to strength " until " unto 
the God of Gods " we appear in Sion. 

Aspiration : " Blessed is the man whose strength 
is in Thee : in whose heart are Thy ways." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Him the Rock of Ages, Who will 
lead us through the valley of the shadow of 
Death and with His Rod and Staff support 
us. 

II. Pray to trust in Him and work with His 
Grace so as to say, " Christ in us the Hope 
of Glory." 

III. Resolve to be faithful unto death that we 
may gain the Crown of Everlasting Life. 

Aspiration : " The Lord is the strength of my 
life : of whom then shall I be afraid." 



230 



MEDITATIONS 



XI. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS OUR REFRESHMENT. 

Preparation. 

Who comes ? Jesus, the Bread of Life and the 
Stream of Living Waters, Who hath said, 
"Whoso eateth My Flesh and drinketh 
My Blood hath Eternal Life and I will 
raise him up at the last day." 

To whom does He come ? To us who are 
strangers and pilgrims here, journeying on 
towards death 4 ' in a barren and dry land 
where no water is." 

For what does He come ? That coining to Him 
we may neither hunger nor thirst, for " He 
hath filled the hungry with good things." 

Aspiration: "Like as the hart desireth the 
water brooks, so longeth my soul after 
Thee, O God." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Him Who is the Food of Immortal- 
ity, Who freely offers Himself to us. 

II. Pray that naught but Jesus may satisfy and 
ever say, " Lord give me Thyself." 

III. Resolve to be better prepared for each 
Eucharist and to long for it more devoutly. 

Aspiration: "Give us day by day our Daily 
Bread." 



MEDITATIONS 



231 



XII. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION AS OUR THANKSGIVING. 
Preparation. 

Who comes ? Christ, Who Died for us, the 
Saviour of the World, Who hath borne our 
sins and suffered our punishment. 

To whom does He come ? To us who too little 
think of the Benefits won by our Lord's 
Death and Passion, Who little appreciate 
the gift of His Body and Blood, Who for- 
get the blessings God so bountifully gives. 

For what does He come ? That recalling us 
to ourselves we may love and adore and 
bless and thank God for all His Goodness, 
and the wonders that He doeth for the 
children of men. 

Aspiration : " Praise the Lord, O my soul 
and all that is within me praise His Holy 
Name." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Him Who hath bought us with a 
price, Who hath shed His Precious Blood 
for us and gives us the Gift of Himself. 

II. Pray that we may learn to be thankful and 
appreciate all that He has done for us and 
above all God's love in the Redemption of 
the world. 

III. Resolve to offer up the Eucharist as our 
chief act of thanksgiving, doing all for the 
Greater Glory of God. 

Aspiration : " Let everything that hath breath 
praise the Lord." 



232 



MEDITATIONS 



XIII. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION IN JOY AND PLEASURE. 
Preparation. 

Who comes ? Christ, Who by His first Miracle 
at the Marriage of Cana sanctified all in- 
nocent joy and pleasure. 

To whom does He co7?ie ? To us who are too apt 
in our happiness to forget Jesus, who are in 
danger of choking the seed of His Word by 
the riches and pleasures of life. 

For what does He come? That we may love 
Him, not the world, that loving Him above 
all things we may be in the world but not 
of the world. 

Aspiration : " O turn away mine eyes lest they 
behold vanity : and quicken Thou me in 
Thy way." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Christ, in the Brightness of His 
Majesty, looking in love on us when we 
rightly use all innocent joys and pleasures 
by turning them to His Glory as He comes 
to crown all by the Holy Eucharist. 

II. Pray that we may at all times remember 
God's Presence and may never forget Him 
in our blessings. 

III. Resolve to cultivate detachment from 
earthly things and welcome Christ at the 
Altar as the Giver of all Gifts. 

Aspiration : " The earth is the Lord's and all 
that therein is." 



MEDITATIONS 



233 



XIV. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION IN SORROW AND 
SUFFERING. 

Preparation. 

Who comes? The Man of Sorrows, Who hath 
said, " See if there be any sorrow like unto 
My sorrow" ; the King of Glory, Who now 
comes to us. 

To whom does He come ? To us who shrink 
from pain and suffering, sorrow and loss, 
who often do not see the Loving Hand of 
God in all these afflictions. 

For what does He come? To comfort us with 
Himself, to teach us the privilege of suffer- 
ing, to make us know that sorrow gives us 
fellowship with Him. 

Aspiration : "I reckon the sufferings of this 
present time are not worthy to be compared 
with the glory which shall be revealed in us." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Christ on the Cross, His Pierced 
Hands and Feet, His Side and Thorn- 
crowned Brows, stained with His Own 
Precious Blood. 

II. Pray that we may patiently bear all things 
as He bore the Cross for us. 

III. Resolve to use the Holy Communion as 
the great means of comfort. 

Aspiration : "So they cried unto the Lord in 
their trouble and He delivered them from 
their distress." 



234 



MEDITATIONS 



XV. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION IN TRIAL AND 
TEMPTATION. 

Preparation. 

Who comes ? Jesus Christ, Who was ' ' in all 
points tempted like as we are yet without 
sin," Who now comes in His Glorified Life 
to give Himself to us. 

To whom does He come ? To us in a wicked and 
naughty world, drawn away and enticed by 
our own lusts, with no power of ourselves 
to help ourselves. 

For what does He come ? That following His 
Example and steadfastly looking unto Him, 
we may have grace to resist all temptations 
and live a life hid with Christ in God. 

Aspiration ; " Blessed is the man that endureth 
temptation : for when he is tried he shall 
receive the Crown of Life, which the Lord 
hath promised to them that love Him." 

Than ks giving. 

I. Behold Him teaching us how to live and die, 
and holding up before us His Perfect Life 
as manifested here on earth. 

II. Pray that we may copy that Beautiful Life 
by living in Him, for Him and to Him. 

III. Resolve to overcome temptation by 
Prayer and Fasting and especially by the 
grace of the Blessed Sacrament, ever looking 
unto Jesus. 

Aspiration : "I will lift up mine eyes unto the 
hills from whence cometh my help. My 




MEDITATIONS 



235 



XVI. 

THE HOLY COMMUNION THE PROMISE OF 
SALVATION. 

Preparation. 

Who comes ? The Redeemer of the world, Who 
comes to us that we may not perish but 
have Everlasting Life, Who when we rightly 
receive Him says, "I will raise him up at 
the last day." 

To whom does He come ? To us as sheep go- 
ing astray, to sinners, knowing not the time 
of death's visitation. 

For what does He come ? That in Him we may 
live, by Him we may have peace and 
through Him we may gain Everlasting Life. 

Aspiration: "O do well unto Thy servant: 
that I may live and keep Thy Word." 

Thanksgiving. 

I. Behold Him on the Cross, and see there the 
Symbol of our Redemption. 

II. Pray to bear the Cross, and by receiving 
the Sacraments to appropriate the salvation 
there won for us. 

III. Resolve to prepare for death by a holy life 
and by frequent Communion have the rea- 
sonable assurance of salvation. 

Aspiration : " O Saviour of the World, Who 
by Thy Cross and Precious Blood hast Re- 
deemed us, save us and help us, we humbly 
beseech Thee, O Lord." 



PENITENTIAL OFFICES. 



IN the Preparation for Holy Communion and 
the cultivation of the spiritual life, it is 
helpful to use special Devotions and Offices 
as Penitential Prayers, in order to deepen and 
show forth our love of God, our sorrow for sin 
and our desire for righteousness. The Book 
of Common Prayer is rich beyond measure in 
such Devotions, the stately dignity, the reverent 
wording, and noble aspiration of which are in 
marked contrast to the very inferior and often 
familiar and fulsome prayers gathered from other 
sources. The following will be found especially 
helpful : 

— The Litany or General Supplication. 

— The Penitential Office for Ash Wed- 

nesday. 

— The Seven Penitential Psalms — vi., 

xxxii., xxxviii., li., cii., exxx., cxliii. 

— The Collects of the Prayer Book. 

— Hymn 529, American Hymnal or 465, 

A. AND M. 

In addition to these may be used the Peniten- 
tial Prayers or the Litanies here set forth. 

236 



PENITENTIAL OFFICES 237 



I. 

PENITENTIAL PRAYERS 

{Chiefly from Ancient Sources, considerably adapted.) 

OGOD, Who art infinitely Holy and art 
hymned by the angels and adored by all 
the heavenly powers, Who didst make 
man in Thine Own Image and didst adorn him 
with all Thy graces, Who givest to him that 
seeketh wisdom and understanding and passest 
not the sinner, grant us we beseech Thee, repent- 
ance unto salvation. Forgive us all our offences 
and sanctify our souls and bodies that we may 
serve Thee in purity and holiness all the rest 
of our life. Amen. 1 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who in 
Thy Goodness didst give to man when 
he had sinned an exhortation to repent- 
ance, look down upon those who penitently bow 
before Thee. Thou wiliest not the death of a 
sinner, but rather his conversion, that he may 
turn from his evil ways and live. . . Do Thou 
therefore receive the repentance of thy suppli- 
ants ; for there is none that sinneth not before 
Thee. For if Thou Lord shall be extreme to 
mark what is done amiss, O Lord, who may 
abide it ? 2 

I HAVE sinned O Lord, against Thee and in 
Thy sight. My many offences crieth for 
judgment against me ; yet, O Lord, Thou 
hast promised that where sin hath abounded 
Grace shall yet more abound. And Thy prom- 
ise bids me not despair, for he who despairs of 

1 Liturgy of S. Chrysostom. 

2 Liturgy of S. Clement. 



238 PENITENTIAL OFFICES 



pardon denies Thee to be a God of mercy. The 
multitude of my sins abaseth me to the dust, but 
the thought of Thy Passion raiseth me ; the 
nails and spear cry aloud that Thou hast recon- 
ciled me by Thy Blood. The soldier opened 
Thy wounded Side, wherein as in a cleft of the 
Rock of Ages, I hide myself from the foe 
and rest secure. Thou inclinest Thine Head, O 
Crucified Saviour, even in death as if to greet 
me ; Thou openest Thine Arms as if to embrace 
me. In that embrace I am willing to live, and 
in it I do long to die. Amen. 1 

OLORD, help us to turn and seek Thee ; for 
Thou hast not forsaken us Thy creatures 
as we have forsaken Thee, our Creator. 
Make us to turn and seek Thee, for we know 
that Thou art here in our hearts when we confess 
to Thee, when we cast ourselves upon Thee, 
when we weep in Thy Bosom. 1 

OGOD, The Light of every heart that sees 
Thee, the Life of every soul that loves 
Thee, the Strength of every mind that 
seeks Thee, grant me ever to continue steadfast 
in Thy Holy Love. . . . To Thee therefore I 
humbly cry, pleading that Thou wilt cleanse me 
from my secret faults, and keep Thy servant 
from presumptuous sins, so that they may never 
get dominion over me. Amen. 1 

SHOW me Thy mercy, O Lord, for I am a 
sheep that is gone astray. O Good Shep- 
herd, seek me out and bring me home 
again to Thy fold. Deal favourably with me 
according to Thy good pleasure, that I may 

1 S. Augustine. 



PENITENTIAL OFFICES 239 



dwell in Thine house all the days of my life and 
praise Thee for ever and ever with them that are 
there. Amen. 1 

OMOST High and Gracious Lover of men, 
to Thee I confess all my sins, whatsoever 
and howsoever committed, from the hour 
when I first could sin up to this hour in which 
by Thy mercy Thou still sufferest me to live. . . . 
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, who cry unto 
Thee ; let the voice of faith weeping unto Thee 
move Thy Love ; and let that mercy, in which 
alone I hope, forbid Thee to be extreme to mark 
what is done amiss. . . . O free Thou me from 
all evils and bring me to Life Everlasting. 
Amen. 2 

OLORD, I offer unto Thee all my sins and 
offences which I have committed in Thy 
sight. . . . that Thou mayst burn and 
consume them all with the fire of Thy love, that 
Thou mayst wipe away every stain and cleanse 
my conscience from every fault, that Thou mayst 
restore to me Thy Grace, which I have lost by 
my sin, by fully pardoning and receiving me in 
Thy mercy. O Lord, my God, depart not 
far from me ; O look upon me and help me, for 
this is my hope and my one consolation, to fly 
to Thee in every tribulation, to trust in Thee, to 
call upon Thee from my heart and patiently to 
await Thy comfort. O Good Jesus, enlighten 
me I beseech Thee with Thy brightness and 
cast out all darkness from the dwelling of my 
heart. Amen. 3 

1 S. Jerome. 

3 S. Anselm. 3 Thomas a Kempis. 



240 PENITENTIAL OFFICES 



OLORD, Who hast called me to repentance 
by Thy Word. . . . Call me also by Thy 
Grace; but call me so powerfully that I 
may not turn a deaf ear and that I may not resist 
Thy Call. I am forced indeed to bring my sins 
along with me ; but it is to crucify them with 
Thee, and with a full purpose through Thy 
Grace, never to return to those sins that I have 
repented of. 1 

FAT HER of mercies, I beseech Thy Fath- 
erly loving kindness despise me not ; but 
rather regard me as Thou didst regard 
Magdalen at the feast, Peter in the hall, the 
thief on the Cross ; that with Peter I may bitterly 
weep, with the thief I may confess, with the Mag- 
dalen may love, yea, love much since I have so 
many sins to be forgiven. Spare me, O Lord, 
spare me, a penitent, at least desiring to be a pen- 
itent and preparing thereto, recollecting my sins 
with grief, indignant with myself concerning 
them, and laying hold of Thy Most Bitter Passion. 
Spare me, O Lord, have mercy upon me, 
because it is not difficult to Thy Power, not un- 
befitting Thy Justice, nor unusual to Thy Good- 
ness. 2 

OGOD, prostrate before the Cross, we kneel 
as suppliants, sorrowing for our sin. We 
are unworthy to raise so much as our eyes 
unto Thee. Yet Thou art our Most Loving 
Father, and art more ready to hear than we to 
pray. Therefore O Lord, behold us in mercy, 
as we abase ourselves in the dust, -as we bow 
before the Cross, as we plead the Passion of Thy 
Dear Son. Send us not empty away but for His 



1 Bishop Wilson. 



2 Bishop Andrewes. 



PENITENTIAL OFFICES 241 



sake hearken to our prayer, raise us from our 
sin and renew us with Thy Grace, that we may 
henceforth live to Thine Honour and Glory and 
in the world to come hymn Thy praises with all 
the heavenly host unto the ages of ages. Amen. 

II. 

SHORT LITANY OF PENITENCE 

OGod the Father of Heaven : 
Have mercy upon us, miserable sinners. 

O God the Son, Redeemer of the World : 
Have mercy upon us, miserable sinners. 

O God, the Holy Ghost, Proceeding from the 
Father and the Son : 
Have mercy upon us, miserable sinners. 

O Holy, Blessed and Glorious Trinity, 
Three Persons and One God : 
Have mercy tipon us, miserable sinners. 

Remember not, Lord, our offences nor the 
offences of our forefathers : neither take 
Thou vengeance of our sins : Spare us, 
Good Lord, spare Thy people, whom Thou 
hast redeemed with Thy Most Precious 
Blood and be not angry with us forever : 
Spare us, Good Lord. 

O Saviour of the World, Who by Thy Cross 
and Precious Blood hast redeemed us : 
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee 
Lord. 

From the deceits of the world, the flesh and the 
devil : 

Good Lord, Deliver us. 
From the just reward of our sins : 
Good Lord, Deliver us. 



242 PENITENTIAL OFFICES 



From everlasting damnation : 

Good Lord, Deliver us. 
By Thy Holy Incarnation : 

Good Lord, Deliver us. 
By Thine Agony in the Garden : 

Good Lord, Deliver us. 
By Thy Suffering and Humiliation : 

Good Lord, Deliver us. 
By Thy Bitter Cross and Passion : 

Good Lord, Deliver us. 
By Thy Holy Life and Death*. 

Good Lord. Deliver us. 
By Thy Glorious Resurrection and Ascension : 

Good Lord, Deliver us. 
By Thy Perpetual Intercession : 

Good Lord, Deliver us. 
That it may please Thee to bring us to sincere 

repentance : 

IV e beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to cleanse us from 

all unrighteousness : 

We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to renew Thy Grace 

within us : 

We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to deliver us from all 
evil : 

We beseech Thee to hear us, Good L^ord. 
That it may please Thee to lead us to true holi- 
ness : 

We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to bring us to Everlast- 
ing Life : 

We beseech Thee to hear us, Good Lord. 

Son of God ; We beseech Thee to hear us. 
16 



PENITENTIAI, OFFICES 243 



O Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of 

the world : 

Grant us Thy peace. 
O Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of 

the world : 

Have mercy upon us. 
O Christ, hear us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 
Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, etc. 
O God, we believe in Thee, we hope in Thee, 

and we love Thee, and we are sorry that we 

have so often offended Thee by our sins. 
O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins : 

Neither reward us according to our in- 
iquities. 

O Lord, let Thy mercy be showed upon us : 

As zve do put our trust in Thee. 
Let us depart in peace : 

In the Name of the Lord, Amen. 

III. 

HYMN OF THE PASSION. 

O Blessed Feet of Jesus 

Weary with seeking me ! 
Stand at God's bar of judgment 

And intercede for me. 

O Knees that bent in anguish 

In dark Gethsemene ! 
Kneel at the Throne of Glory 

And intercede for me. 



244 PENITENTIAL OFFICES 



Hands that were extended 

Upon that awful Tree ! 
Hold up those precious nail prints 

Which intercede for me. 

O Side from whence the spear point 
Brought Blood and Water free ! 

For healing and for cleansing 
Still intercede for me. 

O Head so deeply pierced 

With Thorns which sharpest be ! 

Bend low before Thy Father 
And intercede for me. 

O Sacred Heart ! Such sorrows 

The world may never see, 
As that which gave Thee warrant 

To intercede for me ! 

O wholly scarred and wounded 

My Sacrifice to be ! 
Present Thy Perfect Offering 

And intercede for me. 

O Loving, Risen Saviour 

From death and sorrow free ! 

Though Throned in endless Glory 
Still intercede for me. 1 

From an inscription on a cross in an Italian church. 



SHORT READINGS 



PRAYER 

PRAYER is the chief means of attaining holi- 
ness. It bridges the gap between Heaven 
and earth, God and man. When we pray 
we are in the Presence of God, we mount as on 
angel wings to the heavenly places. It matters 
not if we pray aloud or pray silently. We may 
even pray without thought, beyond that of rest- 
ing in God, and communing with Him. Prayer 
elevates, chastens and purifies the soul. It 
shows our love for God. It shows His Love for 
us. God is so gracious to listen, so loving to 
answer. Man grows weary of us, God never. 
He is the Heavenly Father, Who is ever ready 
to hear, no matter how poorly expressed are our 
prayers. Our adoration, our thanksgiving, our 
confessions, our intercessions, our petitions are 
all accepted and in each God gives a special 
blessing. Prayer, however, owing to the frailty 
of our erring humanity, involves work. If we 
do our best, however, God is there to reward. 
He answers in the still small voice, whispering 
His Word of Love to the soul, conveying His 
Peace and giving the Inspiration to higher things. 
He answers but not always at once or as we 
wish. We must ever trust that He knoweth best, 
and doeth all things wisely. 



245 



246 



SHORT READINGS 



THE SPIRITUAL LIFE 

THE Spiritual Life is a life " hid with 
Christ in God." 1 It is the cultivation 
of the highest part of man's being. It is 
the only life worth living, the only life that fits 
us for the Everlasting Life in Heaven. Man's 
sojourn in this world is but a pilgrimage, a 
journey towards the Jerusalem on high, the 
Holy City of God. Life is given here that we 
may have life hereafter, and when the spirit 
once realizes its immortality, we will be satisfied 
with naught less than God. He made us for 
Himself and there is no real joy or rest apart 
from Him. The Spiritual Life then is union 
with God by Prayer and Sacrament, and the 
reaching after those spiritual blessings which 
raise our thoughts to the things above. 

HOLINESS 

WE all need to sanctify ourselves to become 
holy in God's Sight. To do this we 
must pattern ourselves after Jesus, to 
have His Beautiful Life in some measure reflected 
in ourselves. Our character is not what we think 
we are, or what others think we are, but what we 
really are. Our character must bear the 4 ' marks 
of the Lord Jesus." 2 Holiness must be striven 
for, humbly, patiently, earnestly, prayerfully 
striven for, in the realization of our responsi- 
bility, in the realization of our privilege. Then 
at last may dawn the day, when we will be so per- 
fected and conformed to the Mind of God, that 
we will wish only to do His Will, to live for 
His Glory, to say to our souls " Jesus Only." 



1 Colossians iii. 3. 



2 Galatians vi. 17. 



TOUCHETH THE CROSS, AND 
MAKETH IT LIGHT." 



SHORT READINGS 



247 



COMMUNION 



E hardly realize the good things that God 



gives to those who love Him ! How 



little, for instance, we appreciate the 
blessing of Holy Communion! How cold is our 
devotion at times ! How little we long for the 
Sacrament ! How poorly we prepare for it ! 
How hurried our thanksgiving ! Yet here in 
the Blessed Sacrament we have heavenly food, 
even our dear Lord's Body and Blood. Here 
we dwell in Him and He in us. O ! The won- 
drous privilege and blessing of that Union ! 
What joy, happiness and rapture we should feel ! 
In the Presence of the Master, ay, more, united 
with the Saviour, what could we want more 
than this, what blessing could be greater than 
this? We need to think more about this 
precious privilege, to let nothing keep us away 
from Jesus, to seek Him with the full strength 
of our being and when He comes to us in the 
Holy Communion, to greet Him and to receive 
Him with the greatest love, devotion and thanks- 
giving, saying again and again, " My Lord and 
My God" 1 



HERE will ever be to the faithful follower 



of Jesus a daily Cross to bear. It may be 



some sorrow or suffering, some trial or 
temptation, some besetting sin. The Cross is 
always there. To bear the Cross is to win the 
Crown. It is the symbol of our salvation, and 
the bearing of it shows our fellowship with 
Christ. It is the sanctifying power of life, 



THE DAILY CROSS 




1 S. John xx. 28. 



248 



SHORT READINGS 



dragging up from the depths of sin, drawing us 
from the allurements of the world, raising to the 
heights of Heaven. If we bear our Cross, what- 
ever that Cross may be, in the little worries, the 
big worries, the petty annoyances of every day, 
the cares, the burdens, the disappointments of 
life, in sickness, sorrow or suffering, by self- 
denial, or self-discipline, or in whatever way God 
sends the Cross, then will the Master's Words be 
fulfilled, " Ye shall find rest for your souls 
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" 1 



LL honest labour is honourable in God's 



do it that makes us acceptable to God. 
We all have vocation or calling and fitness 
for something. We should try and find it, 
and when we find it, do our very best to 
make our labours glorify God. We must 
try to be perfect in what we do, remembering 
that little things make perfection but that perfec- 
tion is not a little thing. No matter how lowly, 
how trivial, how unnoticed may be the work, it 
should be done in the realization of the Presence 
of God, thinking of the words, " Thou God 
seest me." 2 Thus God is glorified, the Master is 
followed, we and our works are acceptable at 
the Throne of Grace and some day we shall hear 
those blessed words, " Well done, Thou good and 
faithful servant" 3 



SANCTIFYING OUR WORK 




It is not what we do but how we 



1 S. Matthew, xi. 29-30. 

2 Genesis xvi. 13. 



3 S. Matthew xxv. 21. 



SHORT READINGS 



249 



FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY 



E all need to cultivate the Theological 



Virtues. Our Faith in God and in His 



Revelation should never waver. When 
wicked men attack the beliefs we hold most dear, 
we should remember that our Lord predicted 
this, but that we need not fear, because the 
Holy Ghost is ever with us. Our Hope should 
be strong, grounded in Christ Jesus, the Rock 
against which the gates of Hell cannot prevail. 
We must never despair of ourselves, of others, or 
of the Church, for when all seems darkest, God is 
near and the light will come, for "at evening 
time it shall be light." 1 Charity or Divine 
Love must also pervade us, for without it our 
doings are nothing worth. It is the greatest of 
all virtues, for by Charity we love God and love 
our neighbour and thus fulfil the Law. 



E must judge ourselves not others. We 



may condemn the sin but never the sin- 



ner. The more we realize our own 
faults and flaws, our own sins and needs, the 
more charitably will we look on others. They 
may not have the same light, the same oppor- 
tunities, the same privileges, yet they may be 
trying harder than we to do what is right. We 
should pray for them, ' ' Fa ther, fo7'give them for 
they know not what they do" 2 and praying for 
others, we ourselves should cultivate humility, 
for we, at best, are but " unprofitable servants." 
If tempted in the same way or placed in the same 

1 Zechariah xiv. 7. 2 S. Luke xxiii. 34. 



JUDGMENT 




250 



SHORT READINGS 



position, we might have erred more grievously. 
We should try to save souls, rebuking in love, 
gentleness and kindness, aiming to set a good 
example. Firmly standing for righteousness, we 
should pray for those who offend, judging our- 
selves but not others. 

CHEERFULNESS 

THOSE who seek after righteousness should 
be cheerful, their faces lighted with a 
holy peace and resignation. How much 
sunshine does a happy face, a bright smile, or 
a merry laugh bring with it ! They comfort 
and cheer and gladden all those who see or 
hear them. Let us then be cheerful in our 
religion, cultivating contentment in our state of 
life, resignation to what God sends, making the 
best of things, seeing God's Hand in all about 
us. Once gain the inner peace, the sense of 
resting in God, and nothing is too hard to bear 
with composure. 

AIM IN LIFE 

OUR life should not be aimless. It should be 
lived by a simple rule, built on a positive 
Faith, directed to some definite end. To 
accomplish anything acceptable in God's Sight 
we must put away the idea of self, remembering 
that our Saviour " pleased not HimselJ 11 We 
must have the highest Ideal and strive hard to 
reach it, knowing, however, we never fully can 
attain it. We must cultivate earnestness of pur- 
pose, submission to God's Will, renunciation of 
our desires. This, united with sympathy for 

1 Romans xv. 3. 



SHORT READINGS 25 1 

others, forbearance towards others, and strict- 
ness with ourselves, will help us attain our aim in 
life. Religion must have a first place, and duty 
must be realized through religion. With all, we 
must cultivate Purity, for only through Purity 
can we see and know God and His Will : 
'''blessed are the pure in heart for they shall 
see God.'' 1 1 

FREQUENT COMMUNION 

IT is helpful and customary for the faithful, 
for those who are striving for ' 'the things per- 
taining to God " to receive the Holy Com- 
munion every Sunday, Holy Day and Saints' Day. 
Frequency of reception is in accord with primi- 
tive practice. Tt should stimulate the spiritual 
life and incite to more careful preparation for 
the Holy Mysteries. Nor should it be forgotten, 
that while attendance at the Celebration of the 
Holy Eucharist is helpful, nevertheless presence 
for worship will never compensate for the neg- 
lect of Communion. 

REVERENCE 

HOW careful we should be to be reverent. 
Sometimes the Clergy as well as the peo- 
ple need this caution. Familiarity with 
sacred things should conduce to greater, not less 
reverence. Nothing shows forth our love of 
God, of His Sanctuary and of His Service more 
than reverence. It is the spirit that makes 
God's worship beautiful. It witnesses to our 
realization of His Presence. It makes others 
honour His Church, and Sacraments. How care- 
ful should we be to refrain from conversation, 

1 S. Matthew v. 8. 



252 



SHORT READINGS 



to move softly about, to keep from looking 
round, remembering that the Church is the 
House of Prayer. Nor is service mechanically 
done, acceptable to God. It must be reverently 
rendered, with the heart going with the words 
and the acts ; we must believe and feel what we 
say ; and we must reverently follow the service 
and sermon with the spirit and with the under- 
standing, doing all to the Glory of God, as in 
His Presence. Above all, at the solemn mo- 
ment of the Consecration of the Eucharist 
should we kneel in lowly reverence for, " the 
Lord is in His Holy Temple, let all the earth keep 
silence before Him." 1 Without Reverence we 
cannot really worship. It means the remem- 
brance of God, the abandonment of self. An 
irreligious person cannot have true reverence. 
Let us then cultivate religion, let us realize the 
meaning and object of our worship and let rever- 
ence control our every thought, word and act. 
Let there be no hurry, no ostentation, no excess, 
but let us quietly, humbly, lovingly show 
forth reverence in all we do, be it in dim 
Cathedral aisle or in little country church, be it 
among the rich and mighty or among the poor 
and lowly, for reverence is not before men but 
in the sight of God, unto to Whom all hearts are 
open, all desires known and from Whom no 
secrets are hid. 

DANGER OF INTELLECTUAL PRIDE 

MANY souls are lost through pride and pre- 
sumption. Some aspire to know, more 
than God chooses to reveal. Others pre- 
sume on the knowledge that God vouchsafes, and 

1 Habakkuk ii. 20. 



SHORT READINGS 



253 



led by intellectual pride make shipwreck of their 
lives and the lives of others. They forget that 
God is from above, man from below. They do 
not reflect that God's ways are not our ways, that 
they are ''past finding out:" 1 God reveals His 
Truth as we are able to receive it, " here a little, 
there a little,"'' 2 line upon line, precept upon pre- 
cept. Faith, love and humility make the dispo- 
sitions for learning of God and His Ways, for 
God ' ' hast hid these things from the wise and 
prudent and hast revealed them unto babes" 3 to 
those who look up into the Father's Face with 
the trust and faith of a little child. Spiritual 
things are only discerned by the spiritually 
minded, and very often a poor peasant knows 
more of the Love of God and the Comfort of 
Religion than the mighty Prince or the great 
scholar. Profound learning and a brilliant in- 
tellect do not in themselves make one acceptable 
to God. The unconsecrated mind is at enmity 
with Him. It is right to study, to learn of God 
and His Ways, but one must do so prayerfully 
and humbly, asking the guidance of the Holy 
Ghost, acknowledging the authority of the 
Catholic Church and cultivating that " meek and 
quiet spirit which is in the Sight of God of great 
price"* Not to the worldly wise but to the 
meek and lowly of heart doth God reveal Him- 
self. 

FAITH AND HUMILITY 

WE should ever remember that Faith and 
Humility must go hand in hand. Re- 
ligion that puffs one up with spiritual 
pride is not the Religion of Jesus Christ. Faith 

1 Romans xi. 33. 2 Isaiah xxviii. 10. 

3 S. Matthew xi. 25. 4 1 S. Peter iii. 4 



254 



SHORT READINGS 



to be real must be fruitful in good works, for "by 
their fruits ye shall know them." 1 Yet those 
most abounding in ' good works for the Master 
must realize that they are but '■■ unprofitable serv- 
ants." 2 They will show forth Humility if they 
look lovingly on those about them, not thinking of 
themselves more highly than they ought to think, 3 
but honouring and respecting others, whose lives 
may seem less spiritual than their own. Hu- 
mility is also shown in a loving, trustful Faith. 
We need to love God, not to speculate about 
Him, to believe the things pertaining to Him, 
not to understand them, to live the CHRIST-Life, 
not to talk about it. We must do all reverently 
and humbly for love of Jesus, for the Glory of 
God. We must not think to understand the 
mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, for " now 
we see through a glass darkly, but then face to 
face." ^ S. Augustine says, " first believe, then 
understand," and the Master tells us, "Blessed 
are they that have not seen and yet have believed" 5 
The Church is wiser than we, for the Holy 
Ghost speaks through her. Let us believe and 
hold fast the ' ' Faith once delivered to the 
saints" 6 that at the Last Day, faith may be 
lost in sight,, and we may see God face to face. 



1 S. Matthew vii. 20. 

2 S. Luke xvii. 10. 

3 Romans xii. 3. 



4 1 Corinthians xiii. 12. 
6 S. John xx. 29. 
6 S. Jude 3. 



THE CHURCH'S SEASONS 



Advent, which begins the Church year, com- 
memorates the First Coming of Christ as the 
Saviour of mankind and anticipates His Second 
Coming as the Judge of the world. It also tells 
of His Continuous Coming in Sacramental Grace. 
Advent is a penitential season, and should be 
used as a preparation for Christmas. On the 
four Sundays in Advent special sermons are 
sometimes preached on Death, Judgment, 
Heaven and Hell. 

Christmas Day, the Festival of the Holy 
Nativity, commemorates our Saviour's Birth, 
when in the humble grotto stable at Bethlehem, 
He Who is the Maker and Monarch of all, was 
Born of a pure Virgin and laid in the lowly 
Manger, the Infant Redeemer, the Word made 
Flesh. Christmas is one of the greatest of all 
Church Festivals, and on it all the faithful are 
expected to receive the Holy Communion. 

S. Stephen's Day, S. John Evangelist's 
Day, and Holy Innocents' Day follow to 
show forth the three kinds of martyrs : S. Stephen 
a martyr in will and deed, since he was willing 
to die and did die for Christ ; S. John a mar- 
tyr in will only, since God did not call him to 
a violent death ; and the Holy Innocents, little 
children, martyrs in deed only, since not old 
enough to will do die. 

255 



256 THE CHURCH'S SEASONS 



The Circumcision commemorates our Lord 
when eight days old, conforming to this require- 
ment of the Jewish Law, and receiving the 
name Jesus. This Name, given by the Angel 
when He was conceived, is that Name at which 
every knee should bow. 1 

The Epiphany season has six Sundays ap- 
pointed for its observance. It commemorates 
the Manifestation or showing forth of Christ to 
the Gentiles, noting three special instances : (1) 
at the Visit of the Wise Men, Who did homage 
to the Infant King and offered to Him Gold, 
Frankincense and Myrrh, thus acknowledging 
Him as God, as Priest and as Man ; (2) at the 
Marriage of Cana, when our Lord worked the 
Miracle of turning water into wine ; (3) at 
Christ's Baptism, when there was the revela- 
tion of the Trinity, the Father speaking from 
heaven, the Son coming up from the water, and 
the Holy Ghost descending as a Dove. 

The Purification of S. Mary the Virgin, 
occurring on February 2, commemorates the 
Presentation of Christ in the Temple, in fulfil- 
ment of the Jewish Law. Its ancient name was 
Candlemas, from the practice of carrying candles 
in procession to show forth that our Lord was 
" a Light to lighten the Gentiles." 2 

Septuagesima, Sexagesima and Quinqua- 
gesima, are three Sundays, roughly indicating 
seventy, sixty and fifty days before Easter, pre- 
paring us for the observance of Lent. 

1 Philippians ii. 10. 

2 S. Luke ii. 32. 



THE CHURCH'S SEASONS 257 



Lent is a penitential season of forty days, ex- 
clusive of Sundays. It commemorates our 
Lord's Temptation and Fast in the Wilderness. 
It should be observed, as far as possible, as a 
time for retirement from worldly affairs and 
pleasures ; for careful self-examination and con- 
fession to God, for special Prayer, Fasting and 
Almsgiving, for the uplifting of the Spiritual Life 
and for meditation on the Cross, on the Love 
of God and the awfulness of sin. Ash Wed- 
nesday begins the season of Lent, and is a 
strict fast. Its name arose from the ancient 
custom of signing the Cross with ashes on the 
heads of the penitents, and reminding them of 
the certainty of death. The preceding day is 
known as Shrove Tuesday, from the practice of 
obtaining absolution or being " shriven " on that 
day. The fourth Sunday in Lent is sometimes 
called Midlent or Refreshment Sunday, from 
the Gospel which tells of the feeding of the 
multitude. The fifth Sunday is Passion Sun- 
day and begins Passion Week, so called because 
we then come specially to think of the Suffering 
of Christ. 

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin 
Mary occurs in Lent on March 25, and is kept 
in honour of the Incarnation of our Lord, Who 
was conceived by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin 
Mary, the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary 
her blessed privilege. This festival is sometimes 
known as Lady Day. 

Palm Sunday is the last Sunday in Lent, and 
is so named from the time-honoured custom of 
processions with palms, in commemoration of 
our Lord's entrance into Jerusalem amid the 



258 THE CHURCH'S SEASONS 



strawing of palm branches and the shouts of 
Hosanna. The custom of honouring God by 
strawing and waving palm branches is one of 
Divine appointment. 1 

Holy Week, sometimes known as "the still 
week," which Palm Sunday begins, is so desig- 
nated because it commemorates the last solemn 
events in the Life of our Most Holy Redeemer. 
None who refuse to keep Holy Week rightly 
rejoice on Easter. 

Maundy Thursday, occurring in Holy 
Week, is so named from the words " Dies Man- 
dati," the Day of the Great Commandment, for 
it commemorates our Lord's Institution of the 
Holy Communion, and His command " Do this 
in remembrance of Me." The faithful are ex- 
pected to receive the Blessed Sacrament of our 
Lord's Body and Blood on this day. Maundy 
Thursday is a Festival in that it is in special 
honour of the Institution of the Eucharist, but 
is also a Fast, since it commemorates the begin- 
ning of the Passion. 

Good Friday is the Day of the Cross, the 
4 ' Still Day " commemorating our Lord's Passion 
and Crucifixion, when on the Cross, He Died 
for the sins of the whole world, Suffering as 
Man, Atoning as God. It is the most solemn 
time of the whole year and a strict fast. There 
should be no one who would not keep this day 
at the foot of the Cross, humbling himself be- 
fore God, sorrowing at that awful spectacle of 
Suffering, while rejoicing in the Redemption. 
Only with our sins laid in humble penitence at 
the Feet of Jesus, can we truly rise to the peace 
and joy of Easter Day. 

1 Leviticus xxiii. 40. 

17 



THE CHURCH'S SEASONS 259 



Holy Saturday or Easter Even commemor- 
ates our Lord's Body resting in the tomb. It 
should be used as far as possible, as a time of 
retirement, in preparation for the Easter Com- 
munion. 

Easter is the queen of all the Church's Feasts. 
It commemorates our Lord's Resurrection from 
the dead, and looks forward to our resurrection 
at the Last Day. It should mean for each of 
the faithful a better, holier, purer, risen life, " If 
ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things 
which are above." 1 As the Resurrection is the 
most blessed doctrine of our holy Religion, Easter 
Day is observed with the greatest rejoicing and 
ceremony. The Monday and Tuesday in Easter 
Week, the Sunday following, often called Low 
Sunday, because the high note of rejoicing is 
somewhat lowered, with the rest of the forty 
days following Easter, continue the commemor- 
ation of the Resurrection joy. All of the faithful 
should communicate at Easter. 

Ascension Day, or Holy Thursday, is the 
fortieth day after Easter, and commemorates 
our Lord's Ascension into Heaven, where He 
now Sitteth in Glory at the Right Hand of the 
Father. Ancient tradition held that as Christ 
ascended, the nine choirs of angels chanted 
antiphonally until our Lord entered into His 
Glory on Whitsunday. 

Whitsunday, or Pentecost, commemorates 
the Descent of the Holy Ghost upon the 
Apostles, and the beginning of their labours in 
the world. It is one of the great festivals of 
the Church on which all should communicate. 

1 Colossians iii. 1. 



260 THE CHURCH'S SEASONS 



The two following days, known as Monday and 
Tuesday in Whitsun-week, are also solemnly 
observed. 

Trinity Sunday is the octave of Whitsun- 
day and is observed in special honour of the 
Blessed Trinity : One God, Father, Son and 
Holy Ghost. It begins the long Trinity 
season, in which there are twenty-five Sundays, 
the last Sunday being known in the American 
Church as the Sunday next before Advent. 

The Transfiguration of Christ is ob- 
served on August 6 and commemorates the 
revelation of His Glory, when on the mount, in 
the presence of S. Peter, S. John and S. James 
a cloud overshadowed Him, and Moses and 
Elijah appeared with Him. His unveiled Glory 
was then seen in all its majesty and splendour. 

Ember Days are days devoted to special in- 
tercession for those about to be ordained to the 
Sacred Ministry and for the Clergy generally. 
They are the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 
after December 13, the first Sunday in Lent, 
Whitsunday and September 14. They are ob- 
served as fasts. 

Rogation Days are the Monday, Tuesday 
and Wednesday before Ascension and are de- 
voted to special asking of, or petitions to, God. 
They were once observed by processions singing 
Litanies. They are kept as special fast days. 

All Saints' Day is November 1, and com- 
memorates those who " rest from their labours," 
in the other world, and teaches us to rejoice in 
the Communion of Saints. The day which fol- 
lows is known as All Souls' Day, and is used 



THE CHURCH'S SEASONS 26l 



for special intercession for the repose of the 
souls of the faithful departed. 

Saints Days. The Prayer Book also com- 
memorates by Special Collect, Epistle and 
Gospel for the Communion Office, other great 
Saints or Martyrs as follows : S. Andrew, S. 
Thomas, the Conversion of S. Paul, S. Mat- 
thias, S. Mark, S. Philip and S. James, S. Bar- 
nabas, S. John Baptist, S. Peter, S. James, S. 
Bartholomew, S. Matthew, S. Michael and all 
Angels, S. Luke, S. Simon and S. Jude. The 
Church of England also commemorates, by men- 
tion of their names in the Kalendar, other holy 
personages or remarkable events. 

Sundays are kept as festivals in honour of 
the Resurrection. It seems fitting, in remem- 
brance of the great doctrine of the Resurrection, 
that the observance of the Sabbath or seventh 
day should have been transferred, as it was by 
the Church, to Sunday or the first day. 

Fridays are observed as days of fast or ab- 
stinence in remembrance of the Crucifixion of 
Christ. They should always be kept as peni- 
tential days, and worldly pleasures and social 
enjoyments should not be indulged in. 

Vigils, or Evens of Festivals are also set 
forth in the Church of England to be observed. 



CHRISTIAN VIRTUES AND 
DUTIES, ETC 



THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES I 

Faith, by which we believe God's Revel- 
ation. 

Hope, by which we trust God's Promises. 
Charity, by which we love God above all, 
and our neighbour as ourself. 

THE CARDINAL VIRTUES : 

Prudence, which makes us choose between 
right and wrong. 

Justice, which makes us fair and honour- 
able in all we do. 

Temperance, which makes us rightly use 
our powers and privileges and refrain 
from wrong indulgence. 

Fortitude, which makes us have moral 
courage and suffer pain and adversity 
with patience. 

THE CHRISTIAN DUTIES : 
Prayer : to worship, thank and call upon 

Almighty God. 
Fasting : to deny ourselves and discipline 

the body, as an aid in the spiritual life. 
Almsgiving : to offer God part of what He 

gives us to use for His Glory. 

262 



CHRISTIAN VIRTUES AND DUTIES 263 



THE ECCLESIASTICAL DUTIES : 

To keep the Festivals and Fasts of the 
Church. 

To observe the commands, customs and 

ceremonies of the Church. 
To attend public worship in Church. 
To receive the Holy Communion. 



THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST: 

Wisdom, which turns us to God. 
Understanding, which apprehends the truth. 
Counsel, which inclines us to do right. 
Ghostly Strength, which gives us spiritual 
power. 

Knowledge, which shows God's Word and 
Will. 

True Godliness, which keeps us pure and 
holy. 

Holy Fear, which excites love and reverence. 

THE TWELVE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT : 

Love. Longsuffering. Truth. Modesty. 
Joy. Gentleness. Meekness. Temperance. 
Peace. Goodness. Patience. Chastity. 



THE SEVEN SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY : 

(1) To instruct the ig- (4) To comfort the af- 
norant. flicted. 

(2) To counsel the (5) To endure injury, 
doubtful. (6) To forgive wrongs. 

(3) To correct offend- (7) To pray for others, 
ers. 



264 CHRISTIAN VIRTUES AND DUTIES 



THE SEVEN CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY : 

(1) To feed the hungry (4) To visit the sick, 
and give drink to (5) To help prisoners, 
the thirsty. (6) To visit the father- 

(2) To clothe the less and widows, 
naked. (7) To bury the dead. 

(3) To shelter the 
stranger. 



THE SEVEN 
CAPITAL SINS. 

Pride. 

Covetousness. 

Lust. 

Envy. 

Gluttony. 

Anger. 

Sloth. 



THE SEVEN 
GODLY VIRTUES. 

Humility. 
Liberality. 
Purity. 

Charity or Love. 
Temperance. 
Forgiveness. 
Diligence. 



WAYS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE SINS OF 
OTHERS : 



By evil counsel. 
By provocation. 
By concealment. 

By 



By command. 
By silence. 
By flattery, 
defending the sin. 



By consent. 
By sharing. 
By praise. 



SIX SINS AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST: 

(1) Presuming on God's Mercy. 

(2) Despair of God's Forgiveness. 

(3) Denying God's Truth. 

(4) Envy of another's good. 

(5) Persistence in sin. 

(6) Final Impenitence. 



CHRISTIAN VIRTUES AND DUTIKS 265 



SEVEN STEPS IN SIN : 

(1) Suggestion. (4) Act. 

(2) Pleasure. (5) Habit. 

(3) Consent. (6) Slavery. 

(7) Spiritual Death. 



TWO SACRAMENTS GENERALLY NECESSARY TO 
SALVATION. 

(1) Holy Baptism. (2) Holy Communion. 

Five other sacraments or states of 
LIFE not necessary to salvation but having both 
inward and outward parts pertaining to Holy 
Mysteries : 

(1) Holy Orders. (3) Holy Matrimony. 

(2) Confirmation. (4) Penance. 

(5) Unction of the Sick. 



REQUISITES FOR RIGHTLY RECEIVING HOLY 
COMMUNION : 1 

(1) Faith. (2) Love. (3) Repentance. 



THREE THINGS NECESSARY TO REPENTANCE : 

(1) In the heart : Contrition. 

(2) In the mouth : Confession. 

(3) In the life : Amendment. 



1 S. Chrysostom. 



266 CHRISTIAN VIRTUES AND DUTIES 



TIMES THE CHURCH URGES THE FAITHFUL 
TO BE PRESENT AT SERVICE AND IF POS- 
SIBLE RECEIVE THE HOLY 
COMMUNION. 1 

On Holy Days ; the Nativity, the Circumcision, 
the Epiphany, the Presentation in the 
Temple, Easter, the Ascension, Whit- 
sunday, Trinity, the Transfiguration. 

On Saints' Days : the Festivals of S. Andrew, 
S. Thomas, S. Stephen, S. John the 
Evangelist, Holy Innocents, Conversion 
of S. Paul, S. Matthias, the Annuncia- 
tion of B. V. M., S. Mark, S. Philip 
and S. James, S. Barnabas, S. John 
the Baptist, S. Peter, S. James, S. 
Bartholomew, S. Matthew, S. Michael 
and all Angels, S. Luke, S. Simon and 
S. Jude, All Saints Day. 

All Sundays in the year and also on Ash Wed- 
nesday, during Holy Week (except on 
Good Friday, when there is no celebra- 
tion), Monday and Tuesday in Easter 
Week and Monday and Tuesday after 
Whitsunday. 

SPECIAL DAYS TO KEEP : 

All Sundays, (i) by thinking of Christ's Resur- 
rection and Ascension, (2) by receiving 
the Holy Communion, and (3) by contem- 
plating Heaven. 

1 Following the example of the Primitive Church, 
when the faithful received daily, the Anglican Church 
urges frequent Communion, each Communion being the 
best preparation for the next Communion. It makes 
it obligatory to receive on Christmas, Easter and 
Whitsunday. 



CHRISTIAN VIRTUES ANE DUTIES 267 

All Fridays, (1) by meditating on Christ's 
Passion, (2) by reflecting on our coming 
Death and Judgment, (3) and by per- 
forming penances. 

SOME TYPES OF THE HOLY COMMUNION : 

The Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, 
which is thought to have borne sacra- 
mental fruit. 

The Offering of Bread and Wine by Melchiz- 
edek, King of Salem and Priest of the 
Most High God. 

The Manna in the Wilderness, or the Bread 
from Heaven, the Angel's Food. 

The Passover, or the sacrificial lamb of the 
Israelites. 

The Feeding of the Multitude, when Christ 
blessed and distributed the Loaves and 
Fishes. 

The Water and the Blood, which flowed from 
our Lord's Side as He hung on the 
Cross. 

THE FOUR LAST THINGS : 

Death. Judgment. Heaven. Hell. 

THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS : 
vi. xxxii. xxxviii. li. cii. cxxx. cxliii. 

FOUR NOTES OF THE CHURCH : 

One. Holy. Catholic. Apostolic. 

THREE TESTS OF CATHOLICITY I 

Antiquity. Universality. Consent. 



268 CHRISTIAN VIRTUES AND DUTIES 



THE DUTY OF A CHRISTIAN : TO FORM A RULE 
OF LIFE IN ORDER TO : 



Follow Jesus, 
Discipline the body, 
Resist temptation, 
Repent of sin, 
Obtain forgiveness, 
Use time rightly, 
Escape damnation, 



Set a good example, 

Cultivate holiness, 

Save others, 

Be resigned in sorrow, 

Despise the world, 

Save his soul, 

Win Heaven, 



And in all things Glorify God. 

THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED. 

" Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord 
from henceforth : yea, saith the Spirit, that they 
may rest from their labours : and their works do 
follow them." 1 

THE SEVEN WORDS FROM THE CROSS. 

ist Word : " Father, Forgive them, for they 
know not what they do." 2 

2nd Word : " Verily I say unto thee : To-day 
shalt thou be with Me in Par- 
adise." 3 

3rd Word: "Woman, Behold thy son: Be- 
hold thy mother." 4 

4th Word: "My God, my God, why hast 
Thou forsaken Me ? " 5 

5th Word: "I thirst." 6 

6th Word : "It is finished." 7 

7th Word : ' ' Father, into Thy Hands I com- 
mend My Spirit." 8 

6 S. John xix. 28. 

7 S. John xix. 30.. 

8 S. Luke xxiii. 46. 



1 Revelation xiv. 13. 

2 S. Luke xxiii. 34. 

3 S. Luke xxiii. 43. 

4 S. John xix. 26, 27. 

5 S. Matthew xxvii. 46 



St. Mark xv. 34. 



CHRISTIAN VIRTUES AND DUTIES 269 



THE BEATITUDES : 1 

Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the 

Kingdom of Heaven ; 
Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be 

comforted ; 

Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the 
earth ; 

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst 
after righteousness : for they shall be 
filled ; 

Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain 
mercy ; 

Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see 
God ; 

Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be 

called the children of God ; 
Blessed are they which are persecuted for 

righteousness' sake : for theirs is the 

Kingdom of Heaven ; 
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and 

persecute you and shall say all manner 

of evil against you falsely for My Sake. 

our lord's welcome to the faithful at 
the last day. 

" Come ye blessed of My Father, inherit the 
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation 
of the world." 2 

"And they that be wise shall shine as the 
brightness of the firmament ; and they that turn 
many to righteousness, as the stars forever and 
ever." 3 

1 S. Matthew v. 2 S. Matthew xxvi. 34. 

3 Daniel xii. 3. 



NOV 4 WOl 



OCT 25 1901 



